Robert Schaap

Robert James Schaap, age 69, of Wyoming, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Schaap and Verlin Bonner. Rob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 15 years, Ginny; children, James Schaap, Mariah Schaap, Virginia and Andy Rodriguez;  mother of Rob's children, Rebecca Ysasi Gates; step-father, Rex and Jan Bonner; grandchildren, Dorothy Verlin, Dylan Loki, Elena Rae; siblings, Steven and Fran Gambel, Joe and Lisa Schaap, Jeff and Sherry Schaap; many nephews; step-children, Ryan and Jill Dulyea, Brett Dulyea, Nicholas Howland, and step-grandchildren, Kaylee Dulyea, Ryan Dulyea, Jr.   Rob loved his wife and family, grandchildren, friends, Scooter and animals big and small. He was a big fan of science fiction, ancient history, mysteries, Christmas movies and his beloved Detroit Lions and Tigers. He enjoyed playing sports in his younger days, especially playing basketball with his brothers, cousins, friends, his son and his friends. He loved golfing with his brother Jeff, Uncle Dave, Michael Scott, his kids and his Simons family and friends. He loved music. He was a musician like his mom, and he was an amazing singer and great guitar player. For a time, his skill was on display in a Bluegrass band called No Refund made up of his friends with the same love of music. He enjoyed fishing and looked forward to his annual fishing trips with his buddies from work which carried on long after retirement. He was a gardener. You could find vegetables and flowers and plants growing everywhere in he and Ginny’s yard. He had a passion for cooking which he shared with his children. He and Ginny were known for hosting countless grand gatherings with family and friends where his culinary skills were the centerpiece of the festivities. The care he took in the preparation of his dishes was a testament to his dedication to the craft. If you had a chance to sit at their table and feast, you would never forget it. He cared about people and would do anything to help someone in need. The hundreds of people who loved and respected him are a beautiful example of a life lived with gratitude and compassion. People are not born angels, they become them. There is no doubt Rob is flying high, soaring on broad wings while holding us all in his loving arms while we struggle to say goodbye to him who meant so much to so many.   Relatives and friends may meet the family January 29, 2025 from 3-7pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming. A service to celebrate Rob’s life will be held at the 5th Street Hall at a later date.  In Lieu of flowers, any contributions to help with expenses would be gratefully and humbly excepted:  Venmo: @Mariah-Northcutt