Ron Schipper memory blog
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Posted before 4:45 p.m. March 29

Jodi Pentico-Larson '92
Ron Schipper was a "legend" to my father (Bob Pentico) and many more people. I remember going to Central's football games as child and always wondered why they were such a big deal to my dad. Well, in 1988 I finally realized at the Alumni football game (with my dad playing) why Ron was such a person of influence. I met a man who cared for his players years after they left his playing field. I watched the love he shared with all of them. I know he worked his players hard on the field and expected the best off the field as well. I have heard many memories over the years of Coach and they were all wonderful and positive! We will all miss the wonderful man he was but we are sure lucky to have had him in our lives!

Warm blessings to Coach Schipper's family!

Grace Reed '67
My favorite story about Ron Schippers was by way of a joke that Bill Hinga told at a pep rally in probably 1966-67. Allegedly Coach Schippers ran into Bill, the new guy on the block, almost running him over. Coach said "no offense" and Bill replied "and your defense stinks, too". While I'm sure this never really happened...the joke got a huge laugh. It was a great play on words. We were there to honor a winning team and coach - the beginning part of a wonderful career, the development of fine young people (who happened to be athletes) and a farther reaching impact on those of us who never did anything but attend a football game.

He gave us pride in our classmates, our school, and by association, ourselves. He will be missed, but forever in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him

Matt TeRonde
My first recollections of coach Schipper were probably not good. I saw him at many Central football games and around campus in the late 1970’s. I thought he was a typical, type A, demanding, football coach. It wasn’t until years later my perceptions of Coach Schipper changed forever.

I went to a Central wrestling match with my 3 year old daughter. We were there to see a friend referee his first college wrestling match and he was a little tentative. When he was a little slow on a call or showed a little uncertainty, coach Schipper, who was sitting behind me, yelled and chewed on him a bit. I thought “back off coach”. After a while my daughter wanted me to read to her. I looked down at her and said, “not right now honey, maybe later”.

The match was going back and forth and the crowd was going nuts and so was Coach Schipper. But eventually I noticed that he was being very quiet. During a lull in the action I looked back and there he was, totally oblivious to the match, reading a book to my daughter. He just blocked out everything and focused on reading to my daughter.

It was at that point that I realized what Ron Schipper was all about. He was committed to people and that always came first.

I don’t recall our exact conversation but basically I thanked him for reading to Sarah and he asked me who won the match.

I’ll never forget the important lesson that Coach Schipper taught me that night. God bless ya coach.

Shawn DeWaard
There are not enough words to accurately describe the kind of man Coach was. Everyone that knows him though, knows very well what kind of person he was and always will be. I have so many memories of Coach that I could sit here all day talking about them. However, the one thing that I know we will all agree on is that he was everyone’s biggest hero. I am just so thankful that my family ended up in Pella and that Central College played a big part in my life, because that gave me the opportunity to find out what kind of a person Coach was and the impact that he had on everyone. I had the pleasure of knowing Skip since I was a little boy, and I cherish every moment that I was able to spend with him. He is the type of man that had an affect on many of our lives. He touched everyone from players to coaches to students and beyond. He had a way with people that made you respect him. Not only did he change me as a person, but he also had an affect on every other person's life that he came into contact with. He was a celebrity to me; a bigger than life hero! People like him are not supposed to leave us.

I will always remember the day he retired. When it happened I was sitting in the room that we had the meeting in, and when he told us I remember feeling like I lost a hero. Today we have and it is very tough. We all need to remember that when we are sitting around thinking about him, that we should be very grateful that he talked us into coming to Central, because when we made that decision it was the best decision each of us made. It was the turning point in a lot of our lives.

We as family and friends of Central College must thank the Schipper family for all the time and effort that they put into each of us as well as the Pella and Central community. There are alot of us that wouldn't be where we are today had it not been for Coach and his family. So thank you very much.

Joyce, you are an incredible person as well! I personally know what it takes to live with a coach and there is no way that he could have done it without you. The great thing about him was that he was never afraid to show his emotions and let everyone know how much he loved his family. You are spectacular woman and you too have also touched many of our lives. May God be with you in this time of sorrow! And always remember that we love you as well.

Skip I would also like to personally thank you for turning my Dad into the person he is today; great coach, father, grandfather and friend. I really believe that you were like a father figure to him and that your leadership and friendship has had an impact on his life. Thanks for all the memories and love over the years! You will truly be missed, but will be loved forever. Go Dutch.

Jim Danks ‘64
To Joyce, Tim, Sarah, Tom and all the family—
It is very hard to sit down and write about 45 years of great times with Ron. I was a sophomore in the fall of 1961 during Ron’s first year at Central. About 33 or 34 of us reported for practice that fall not aware that we were the building blocks for a great life time of experiences. The first piece of strong mortar came into place the fall of ’62 when the Dutch went to Decorah to play at Luther’s 100th homecoming. We got stuck in the homecoming parade on our way to field and Bill Thompson jumped off the bus to stop the parade and we made it to field but coach was mad—at halftime we were in a very tight game with Luther who was a strong favorite and the class of the conference. We had to go to an academic building to have our words and because it was warm the next thing we knew Schipper took off his pants and gave directions in his boxer shorts. We won the game 24-12 and the Central football legend took deep roots. Through three seasons of playing for Ron and then eight seasons as his assistant coach, I enjoyed the great leadership he talked and walked. His greatest frustration was when we didn’t play or practice to 100% and he took full responsibility for any shortfalls. I savor the time spent with Ron and other coaches in the IIAC at the national convention and at clinics. My first one, we sat in the front row and listened to Woody Hayes talk for ninety minutes and it wasn’t about the passing game.

In the time as an assistant and later just a friend the hours spent away from the practice and game field were just as exciting and full of great memories, be it fishing (not catching) in the Quetico Park or playing golf or talking about families. Ron was the same to all people, loving and caring and always supportive of anyone who would be willing to state their passions and always work to be better today than yesterday.

Joyce and all---we will miss the energy—the infectious smile—and his great love and respect for all he came into contact, especially you Joyce and the greater Schipper family. My assumption of today is the Lord and Ron are having a discussion about heaven’s football team changing from a pro 43 defense to a 52 defense and we know who will be the Coach—

Phyllis, Ryan, Elizabeth and I hold you all in thoughts and prayers today and all the tomorrows.

Phil Dickey '91
Coach Schipper was so supportive of all athletics he would often come in and watch my karate classes I taught at Central and give me a quick wink or nod of approval and move on. What a great guy he was!

David S. Haskett '74
Although I never really knew the Coach, he really was a man to look up to. I transferred into Central going into my senior year and was there for the 1974 championship year. Since I was one of those "soccer players" I never had the privilege of playing under him. I will never forget that year as it was the start of my path to eternal life. You see it was because of Godly men like the coach and so many others at Central and in Pella that I am saved today. It may not seem like I had much of a relationship with Coach Schipper but it was his and others Godly influence on that campus and in Pella that I now have eternal life in Christ. What a thought of the coach going before that great throne and hearing Christ say ...'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Thank you Joyce for sharing him with us and know that he made this world a better place for so many of us.

Posted before 2:15 p.m. March 29

Phil '63 and Carol VanderWilt
Carol and I were so saddened upon receiving the news that a dear friend and coach had passed away. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you, Joyce, little Tim and Sara as we first knew you in 1961, and the entire Schipper family. Without the love and support of each of you, Skip could not have been the person he was. And so we are grateful for both his life and yours, for what you have meant to each of us. Through this sadness though, there is joy in reliving wonderful memories of football, fishing, and the friendships that have developed and matured because of our association with Central and the Schippers family. We are also encouraged when we think of the many young men and women who have been so influenced and motivated by Coach Schipper that are now leaders in their communities and passing along many of his values and principles to those they come in contact with.

There are many words necessary to describe what a great coach and person Coach Schipper was. Briefly though, he was like the front and back engines of a train. He was always pulling/a leader; always pushing/encouraging. He had lots of horsepower! If you were a part of his train, you moved-----mostly fast. He knew where the train needed to go; he stayed on track. He had a definite "presence." His integrity and character were of steel. When you deserved it, he would blow the whistle and let others know about it and, when appropriate, he would let off a bit of steam. The whistle was much preferred to the steam. Each was important to accomplish success; the record speaks for itself.

We have lost a wonderful human being. We are all blessed to have known Ron; his spirit lives in each of us who knew him. God bless you Joyce, Tim, Sara and Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rev. Knight W. Wells '67
My memories of Coach Ron Schipper are probably very different than many who played for him. I never played football at Central. I was not an athlete.

I was a musician. I was in the band. But during my 4 years at Central, we never missed a game. Football at CUI was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. In fact during the years 1963-67, Coach Schipper had some pretty great teams with some excellent athletes! Most of the football players in those days were Beakes. I was a Phi Delt. But our fraternity did add a few very good players . . . Jim Henderson, John Anker, Larry Embling, to mention a few.

But the thing about Coach Schipper was this . . . whenever I was on campus, he always knew my name. He always said "Hi" and would ask how things were going. It didn't matter to him whether I was a "jock" or not. He always took time to be interested, and that was a unique quality about him. I will never forget an alumni event, some 20 years later . . . at one of our class reunions . . . I saw Coach Schipper walking across campus. We met in the middle and after not seeing each other for 20 years, he said, "Hi, Knight! How are you!" He always remembered my name!

He was a class act all the way and a wonderful example of the great values of collegiate athletics. I only wish I could have talked to him about our youngest son, Sam, who did play football for the University of Nebraska. At Nebraska, they had a coach very much like Ron. His name was Tom Osborne.

Charlene Klyn de Juarez
I knew Coach Schipper for I grew up in Pella as my parents, Andrew and Charlotte Klyn lived and worked in Pella .  My father graduated from Central and was a longtime friend of the college.  My mom and brother, Vince Klyn still live in Pella.  I will be returning to visit Pella  this coming month from Mazatlan, Mexico where I have lived almost thirty years.  I received the sad news via an e-mail that my friend, Kay Klamt, sent from the Holland Sentinel.  She lives in my same housing area and we both have talked about Holland and Pella on many occasions.  It is a small world.  I want you to know that I am saddened and thinking of all of you as you endure this difficult time.  I lost my father last year at ninety in Feb.  Take care and I hope to hear about the Central Memorial later. 

Austen Schueler '08
As I sat on Monday in the cafeteria eating breakfast following the workout I had just performed alongside my teammates I was not expecting the news I was about to receive. One of my teammates informed the table that Coach had passed away. The immediate shock took me off guard. It couldn't be true. When I returned to my room and read the mass e-mail that was sent, it verified my worst fears. He had died at age 77. I wouldn't have put him over 70.

For me and most of the football team here at Central, we didn't have a close relationship with Coach as would be defined by the average person, but in reality, we were as close to him as anyone. You see, when you take a step back, Coach is the reason most if not all of us are here playing football. He built and established this program we were so attracted to. The coaching staff here lives and breathes the principles he instilled in them. They wish to pass it on to us as well.

My whole life I've been surrounded with Central College football. My dad was a Captain and an Assitant Coach for Skip. I remember the countless Saturdays that we would make the trip to Pella to watch game after game that the Dutch were competing in. I got to see a lot of wins. More than anything though, I remember it all appearing larger than life. Even then, at an adolescent age he was a legend to me. What was more amazing is that after he had finished coaching the Dutch, he always took the time to talk to parents, fans, and former players. He would talk to my dad. It had been some 20 years since he was in the program and he still treated him like he was still in school, still his player. In Coach's mind and the men that had the priviledge to play for him, there was stil that connection. They still felt that player/coach relationship. Why else would the Alumni game have such the turnout that it does? His former players are yearning 364 days a year to put there bodies on the line to play in red and white and play for Coach Skip.

Now, as a rising Junior, I've gotten to experience something unique. I had a father who played for Skip, I was priviledged enough to have him as a Coach when he worked a camp when I was in high school, and now I am proud to say that my younger brother will be a member of the team next year as well. This program that Coach created and lived and breathed everyday far after retirement is the program that I love dearly. There is no bigger compliment to Central football than to love it so much that you want your family to be apart of it as well. My dad wanted his sons to be apart of it. I wanted my brother to be my teammate. I would have given anything to have Coach Skip be my coach. But really he is. He's still coaching this team after he has gone for he has passed on everything that the coaches here now stand for. My dad reminds me now and again the words I said to him when I was still small. "Dad, one day I can see myself in red and white." And now, I'm living that dream. Coach, you are the reason my teammates and I are here playing this game for the school you cared so deeply for and that we care so deeply for as well.

Bob Naslund and Family
The news of Ron Schipper's death stopped me in my tracks! This was not news I was going to hear in my lifetime. No way !

We at Luther College are saddened by this great loss particularly to Joyce , Tim , Thom and Sarah ,but also to the Central College Family , the Iowa Conference, the state of Iowa, Holland, Michigan, the game of football, the profession of teaching/coaching and to every person whose life was touched by Ron Schipper. We extend our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Ron's family and the Central Family. May God's love strengthen and comfort you and may God bless the life and memory of "Coach" Schipper .

"PASSION" best describes Ron Schipper for me. Whether it was faith , family, education, coaching, helping others , "the game", or finding the late night "ice cream " (sometimes we looked for hours !!) while at the coaching conventions or Iowa Conference meetings, it was always with "PASSION" ! "PASSION' ! "PASSION" ! Every endeavor in his life was approached with the deepest passion ! He cared, he laughed, he cried, he fished, he lived; with passion! Life and people were his passion.

Ron Schipper and Football were the perfect match .Nowhere but through this great game could he so passionately impact so many lives . We thank God for sending us, even Central opponents, a man who made us all better , Ron Schipper .

Having been a part of the opposing team as a player or coach during all , but one season (1966) during Ron's tenure at Central and having been a part of only seven wins and nearly thirty losses to his teams should not leave too many fond memories . Wrong !Ever since Ron Schipper came to Pella , the Central game as "the game" on our schedule! It was for our players and coaches ,it was for our college , it was for our family , and it was for me . Central was always special , thanks to Coach Schipper . If there was one game my dad wanted to see or my son wanted to play ,it was Central ! The floral arrangement sent by Coach Schipper and Central College Football at my father's death touched me and my family more than anything else during that tough time . Thanks , "Coach".

May I close by first mentioning two people outside of Ron's immediate family that first came to mind when learning of Ron's death; Dr. Ken Weller who walked side by side with Ron as the leaders of a great college and Dick Bowzer who so faithfully assisted and served Coach Schipper for so long . And to Joyce , Tim , Thom and Sarah ,thanks for sharing "Coach" not only with Central College but with the rest of us . May God bless you and the memory of your husband and dad . Our prayers and love are with you.

Posted before 12:30 p.m. March 29

Ann Van Hemert '00
When freshmen enter Central College, it's within the first few weeks of school that they begin to hear the name Ron Schipper...not simply because the Fitness Center is named after him, but because he has impacted so many people on this campus, people can't NOT talk about him. Coach Schipper had retired the year before I came to Central, but during the second preseason volleyball practice of my freshman year- he entered the gym to watch us practice- and, of course, give Megan (Clayberg) a bear hug. I was amazed that a football coach with such an awesome reputation would have any interest in watching the volleyball team...but Ron Schipper wasn't just any football coach. Throughout my time at Central, I watched him support every program. I remember SEVERAL talks from Coach Schipper before our team entered post-season play...and I still have the little typed notes he put in campus mail for each member of our team. We knew he was our biggest fan, regardless of whether he was in the gym watching or not.

The highlight for the '99 volleyball team was a trip to Holland to play in a tournament at Hope. The Thursday evening before, Ron and Joyce hosted us at their home for dinner and a walk down by the lake. We spent several hours there talking and hearing stories about Central- it was a weekend that all of us remember a great deal. If that doesn't represent the power of the Central family, I don't know what would.

I am thankful that Ron Schipper has had such a powerful impact on place that has impacted me. His life was truly a powerful testimony.

Sherri (DeWaard) Te Grootenhuis '00
To Joyce and the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can't think of a man that has the respect of more people than Coach Skip. He has always had a special place in my heart. Being the daughter of a coach myself, I realize that you gave up a lot of your time for him to be able to be with his "football family". I will never forget all of years of riding the bus home with him from the away games and having him take me up and down the aisle to make sure all of the players knew his "Sher Bear". He will be greatly missed by everyone in our family.

Mark '79 and Marcia (Edwards) '82 Baumann
Ron Schipper's life was multi-faceted and he was commitment to all aspects of Central College. An example of that was the William Penn football game in the fall of 1977. Rain drizzled down throughout the first half of the game and the "buzz" was that the Central College Marching Band would not perform at half-time so that the field would remain in adequate condition for the remainder of the game. Evidently, Coach Schipper must have found out and he asked that the band would perform to inspire the crowd and the team. As soon as the band took the field, a cloudburst ensued. The band played on and I nearly lost a shoe making a turn in the middle of the show. Central went on to win the game. He considered the marching band to be a critical element of small-college football and proud that Central offered that experience.

I moved back to Pella one year after graduation and lived near the Schippers. I was always greeted warmly by the family whenever we met. Coach and Joyce would always speak to me and Marcia, my fiance, at Second Reformed Church on Sunday mornings. We were treated with the same hospitality as if we were members of the football team.

Marcia and I extend our prayers to the Schipper family. Coach Schipper will be missed, but we are blessed with his many contributions to Central College and comforted with many wonderful memories to share.

Barbara Gunnerson Knafelc '69
My thoughts and prayers are with Coach Schippers' family. He was responsible for raising Central College athletics to a level never seen before, but the man behind the legend was strong, kind, and full of integrity. He helped shape the minds and hearts of many students, some he never met. He was truly one of a kind.

Coreen Hjort Witke (Director of Alumni Relations at
Simpson College)
On behalf of the Simpson community, please accept our condolences on the loss of Ron Schipper. He leaves a tremendous legacy as a coach and a sportsman. As a school of similar size and athletic passion, those of us in the Simpson family understand the impact and importance of a person like Mr. Schipper. His legacy will live on for many, many years

Lew Conner '81
As I know it must be for so many of those he touched, I am not sure where to start.

There are so many memories and lessons that stay with me because of this man. Volumes could be written about the lessons he shared with us all. There are so many that he taught his players on the field, and his athletes at the gym, but there were many that I learned from him in the real world as well.

Coach was a great father! He loved his children so much. As a co worker and close friend of Sara's during my last few years at Central, I had opportunities to visit with him first hand about how much his kids meant to him and how important their happiness was to him.

Coach also knew how to be spontaneous and fun! Two of the fun events we always had when I played was that night, during preseason, when we went to the swimming pool to cool off or the watermelon feed that some gracious alum might offer. After graduating, I worked at a local restaraunt for a few years and one night during the 1983 preseason, I was able to be the alum offering the watermelon the same night when the team was at the pool. While I don't recall the circumstances that led up to it, I can vividly remember Coach Schipper taking my new wife's hand and jumping into the pool while still in his full coaching attire!

I'll continue to read the tributes to Coach. They will help all of us get through the grieving process. While we are so sad to see him go, we may still feel a sense of warmth knowing that some of his players such as Bruce W., and Dan H. will be there to play for him again!

To Sara, Joyce and the rest of Coach's family my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julie Wagemann Carroll '96
I spent a couple days serving as a tour guide to Ron, Joyce and two of their friends in Vienna, Austria in the Spring of 1995. The four of them were taking a biking tour across Austria--what an amazing trip! I enjoyed their vivacity and "wanderlust" during their stay in Vienna: we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at an Austrian Weingarten, we waited in line for tickets at the Oper and they treated me (a poor college student) to some of Vienna's exquisite Sachertorte.

While I didn't know Ron or Joyce before I met up with them in Vienna, they both treated me like family--Central College family. And, as I had been away from Central for the entire year, their visit brought a welcome bit of Central to me in Vienna--one of the highlights of my entire study abroad year.

When I think of Coach Schipper, I of course will remember his presence on campus and on the football field, but more so will I remember his and Joyce's extravagant welcome of me as a Central student as part of their Austrian bike trip. I believe that it is with this type of welcome that Ron embraced all those people whose lives he has touched.

Gregg Gustafson '89
Joyce and family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of loss. Thank you for sharing your husband and father over the years. I have many memories of Coach Schipper and learned many lessons from him. Many of those lessons have become more clear as I have gotten older.

I was a part of the 1988 team that overcame a loss to Simpson and many injuries to make it to the National Championship game. The ability of the coaches and team to do that was a direct reflection of Coach Schipper and what he had built into us every day. We always wanted to do our best and not disappoint him. (Part of that was not wanting to get chewed on, but a bigger part was knowing he was giving his best, so why can't I?) He saw good things in everyone. He had the unique gift to make those around him better people.

One of his frequent sayings during a tough practice--especially conditioning--was "Don't feel sorry for yourself! You have the privilege of playing the greatest game in the world!" I have often thought back to that saying. During this time of sadness and beyond, all of us who were impacted by Coach Schipper can honor him by giving our best each day at all we do.

Dean Furness '94
To the family of Coach Schipper,
Please accept my sympathies in the passing of Coach… Not a week goes by without my taking the work ethic, team-based attitude, and simple winning way of thinking that Coach instilled into those people he interacted with into my work and family life. While I only had a short four years of playing for and interacting with Coach, I think they are four of the most valuable years of my life. There were many times when I felt like just one of the 120 of us on the team, being called ‘son’ like most of the other guys. But, in coming back for an alumni game years following graduation, and having Coach come up, shake my hand, and know my name, really made an impact and again showed how much he really cared about the people around him. It’s these simple things I’ll remember and take forward. I appreciate your sharing him with me in helping me become successful to this day.

Posted before 10:30 a.m. March 29

Gretchen (Offringa) Pearston ‘75 and Durk W. Pearston ‘05
What do you say but “thanks” for the opportunity to know a wonderful person!

Schip, was an exemplary role model, caring of all those he came in contact with. He showed acceptance, approval and appreciation. These are gifts he gave to all he touched and will be remembered for.

As a member of the Class of ’75, what excitement that year when “our boys” won the 1974 NCAA Div.III National Title. Thirty years later, what a thrill to have a son, Durk, play for BIG RED and to have him come to know Coach Schipper and be classmate and friend to Schip’s grandaughter, Rachel. Many a trip from NY State to see football games with college friends and to see “Coach” still pacing the sidelines on his visits or be given much deserved awards for his success as coach, teacher and person.

In closing, a tribute to a true gentleman and much admired individual:

Successfulness

You have reached Success when you love life and live it to the fullest;

You have discovered and shared your strengths and talents that are uniquely your own;

You have put your best into each task and left each situation better than you found it.

You are successful when you have sought and found that which is beautiful in all people…and all things;

You are a success when your heart has been filled with love, warmed with compassion and joy in living; you have lived a life given to you by God and practiced the teachings of your Christian Faith.

You have been successful because you have touched our lives. You will be missed but fond memories will always kindle our hearts!

Our thoughts and prayers to the Schipper Family and Central Family.

Scot Storjohann '85
I sit here with a heavy heart trying to put into words what Coach Ron Schipper meant to me, Central College and others he touched. He was one of the great ambassadors of Central College and it is hard to record all that he has done for so many students, associates and organizations over the years. He was much more than one of the greatest football coaches to ever walk the sidelines, he was an individual with great character, strong principles and moral fiber, and he truly cared about the people he associated with and the causes he championed.

I wish I could tell a story of a great victory on the football field, but at this moment all I can think about are the moments when he was a caring individual, friend and mentor. I remember Coach sitting at the various banquet tables where students and teams were being honored and he would be hunched over staring at the table so no one would see the tears in his eyes. The tears were there because he was so proud of the individuals and their accomplishments. He always cared for you first as a person, then a student and then as an athlete.

I remember one late summer when he was preparing for a short trip with his family before the start of football season, a former football player, student and recent graduate called him and told him he had just been named football coach at a high school. The new coach was concerned he didn’t have the time or the resources to prepare for the upcoming season and because of that he was scared of failing. Coach scrambled for days to pull together information and put together his thoughts to help the new coach and make sure he was prepared for his new responsibilities.

As a student ambassador for the Admissions office one of my primary duties was to give tours of the campus to prospective students and their families. I always made a point to seek out Coach Schipper on the tour and make sure he had the opportunity to talk to the families. He was always more than willing to visit with the families, and his energy and passion for Central always left them feeling positive about the visit. He didn’t care if the student was an athlete, math major or a drama student, he wanted to make sure they understood what Central had to offer for them.

Coach was a fiery competitor, but he taught us to win…and lose with grace and dignity. If you made a mistake on or off the field, he let you know about it, but he never berated or defamed your character. He was quick to give a compliment and he always swung the spotlight from himself to his players, coaches and Central College. He never swore, but if you heard a “dang bless it” you knew he was always hot about something. Opposing teams and officials were always given the utmost respect and he demanded this of his players. He is the primary reason his assistant coaches were so loyal and had long tenures, and why each year he had over 100 quality student athletes on the squad when other schools struggled to get half that number and those schools saw their coaching ranks turn over and players quit the program regularly.

Coach was known for his sayings and remarks in the classroom and on the field. The night before every game Coach would address the team and we would review the task at hand to make sure we were ready. He always ended the session with his most famous saying, “the horse is in the barn” which meant we were prepared and ready to go. Coach, you lived a great life, you set a great example for all to follow and you prepared all of us for life. You have had “the horse in the barn” for a long time and I know you are ready for your place in Heaven.

Jason ’95 and Tammy Sanders
The phone rang early Monday morning. The news of Coach Schipper’s death hit me with a complete shock and emptiness. Feelings eerily similar as the day I picked up the newspaper a decade ago to learn of his retirement. How can things move on? Monday’s feeling was much stronger. So much deeper. Beyond words. No more conversations. No more words of wisdom. No more life lessons. What I have been given by this man is much more than I could have desired, being so blessed during the past 15 years, impacted by Coach in so many ways. His stories I recite by memory. His words of wisdom I quote so readily. The memories I recall so vividly. His instructions I follow faithfully. And those special ‘Schipperisms’ …HALLELUJAH!

It is difficult to describe fully the impact that Coach Schipper has had on my life & the deep respect and love that I have for him. He taught me how to have an intense passion for life, never to accept anything less than my best. He taught me the value of family as he embraced Tammy with an amazing kindness. He taught me it is okay to cry as he frequently placed his true emotions on display. He encouraged me to stand for my beliefs, even if I am standing alone. He taught me that winning extends far beyond any scoreboard. He insisted I don’t have to be Gonzales the Gorilla (doing my job and drawing attention to myself). He instructed that sometimes we must “throw the kitchen farm at ‘em.” He revealed with concern on that unseasonably warm Saturday that there IS such a thing as having too many biscuits & gravy before a game. Coach preached being a student, an athlete, and a gentleman…that attitude determines preparation & preparation determines performance. He taught us a new time zone…’Schipper Time’.

‘A man after God’s own heart’…the greatest description of Coach. I recall with joy the deep theological discussions with him while at Central. He provided an opportunity to travel with him to church youth groups on Sundays during my 4 years. The purpose was to share our faith with middle/high school students, teaching them to say no to negative influences and yes to positive opportunities. Coach Schipper taught me what it meant to share my faith with others, and he encouraged me greatly in being bold for Christ. Through this experience, Coach gave me the courage to speak up with boldness to stand for my beliefs. Through his encouragement, I haven’t shut up since!

I remember vividly my final game for the Dutch…an emotional, hard-fought, last-second playoff loss at Kuyper Stadium. As the seniors sat in the locker room, drenched with sweat, the tears flowed uncontrollably. Our football careers had ended. Coach Schipper stood in front of us as our coach, our teacher, and our great leader. He told us that this loss hurts, and it would hurt for quite some time. In Coach Schipper fashion, he then connected this to life, teaching us and preparing us to be men. He said that in our lives we would experience bigger losses than this football game. We will face tragedy, stress, and struggle. And, we will have to face the loss of loved ones. He told us that during such times, we must be strong, be resilient, and that life will go on. Well Coach, once again you were exactly right. I am now faced with one of the biggest challenges of my life…saying goodbye to my coach, my mentor, my teacher, and my friend. I will be strong. I will be resilient. Life will go on… with your spirit near me at all times in my words and my actions. I love you Coach. Well Done!!

Kris Reis '90
Joyce I am so sorry for your loss!!! Words can not express what I imagine you are going through right now. I also want say “Thank You” for allowing Coach Schipper to coach. You know he would have done anything for you. I greatly appreciate having the opportunity to be part of your lives. Again I am sorry for the loss.

Let’s see, Coach Schipper, greatness, man of integrity, compassionate, driven and understanding. Just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about Coach Schipper. DELIVER, DELIVER, DELIVER, also comes to mind. Film sessions were always interesting with Coach Schipper. We may have won by a hundred but it wasn’t about winning, it was about doing things right. Not once in a while but all the time. Not just on the field but in the classroom and around campus. I am so fortunate because my relationship with Coach Schipper had grown into a friendship, one that I will miss greatly. I looked forward every year to see Coach and Joyce at the AFCA convention. I knew I would see this man with fire in his eyes, that big smile, and his laugh. It may not sink in until next year’s convention when he does not show up. You know I find myself saying to my kids I coach. “Stance, Alignment, Assignment!” Every play starts with a perfect stance, and then you got to be lined up right. If you get those two then you gotta know what to do. It was the little things that made you successful. Not the “big” plays.

I can not bring to words the emptiness I feel at this moment knowing he is gone. I never thought he would or could die. It just was not suppose to happen to Coach Schipper. He was to live forever. But, I do know this, he lives in everyone he has come in contact with and everyone he has coached. He will live forever in everything all of us do. In doing things right, not once in a while but all the time. He will live forever in all of our influences over the kids we coach, the people we do business with and with the kids we raise.

Coach Schipper, I miss you greatly and thank you for all that you did you me, believing in me and for being proud of me.

Barbara Pettitt, MD '72
I am deeply saddened by the death of Coach Schipper. My heart is with his family, and the entire Central community. His absence will be felt at Board meetings, and I personally will miss the absolute integrity of a great human being, his inspiring commitment to Central, and his wonderful smile. Our loss is Heaven's gain!

Chris Coffman '96
Coach Schipper meant so much to me and to so many other people it is hard to believe that he is gone. He was a man that I look up to and I will always keep him in my heart. Many wonderful stories about him will be told over and over during these next few days and probably forever.

One of my favorites was the early morning practice where he made animal sounds to wake us up. I also remember a few of us asking about a new design of football jerseys we heard rumors about. His answer back was, "You will be lucky if they even have numbers on them."

Ron Schipper was more than just a coach. He was a true role model. An article he shared with me written by Mitch Albom, a sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press, called "Whatever happened to Grace in Sports?" shares many characteristics of Coach Schipper. Those that have read the article will quickly understand why he shared it and why I like it so much. Coach Schipper had GRACE and shared it with everyone he came in contact with. I will always be thankful for everything Coach did for me and hopefully I can pass his greatness on to the players I coach, the students I teach, and my very own children.

Michael Morris 95’
To the Schipper Family:
Thank you for sharing your husband, your dad and your grandfather with us for so many years. Words can not describe the profound impact he has had on the lives of his players and many others that he has worked with over the years. Genuine, honest, compassionate, loyal, feisty and tough are only a few of the descriptors of a man that touched so many lives and molded generations of young men through his teachings on and off the field.

Please be comforted in knowing that there are many individuals that are better people because they had the opportunity and good fortune to spend time with Coach Skip.

Jon '90, Cheryl and Brandon '07 O`Neall
To the Schipper family. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn your loss. Coach was and always will be an inspiraiton for life and dedication. Although I was never blessed to meet Coach, his legacy preceeded him and will live on in each student, athlete, and friend whose lives he has touched.

Michael Bohning '85
Coach Schipper is the most powerful witness to his faith that I’ve ever met. A person so complete, so consistent, and so genuine is very rare. Coach used the platforms of the playing field, the classroom, and his community to teach us to be the best athletes, students, and people we could be. He motivated us by his example and the respect with which he treated everyone. It didn’t matter whether you were an All-American or the last guy on the depth chart (who still got to suit up for home games – something other programs never dreamed of doing). Those of us who played for him, took class from him, worked alongside him, or had other interactions with Coach Schipper understand how blessed we are for those experiences. We cherish the memories and appreciate the life lessons learned. Few people in our lives are as deeply influential as Coach Schipper.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Schipper family. My family and I thank you for sharing such a great man with us through the years.

Jeff Kisner '77
CUI v. the hated Statesmen of Wm. Penn, @ Osky, 1973 (which we won, 38-37, if my memory serves me correctly). Late in the game, a skirmish of shoving and trash talk broke out near midfield after a play. Both benches threatened to empty unto the field. Coach "skipped" three or four quick steps ahead of the vengeful Dutchmen, turned around, faced the bench and yelled, "STOP!" About 50 young men froze and their passions vaporized. At that moment, I knew I had to find a way to spend some time with the man who commanded that kind of order and respect.

Former high school rival Randy Busscher drove me to back to campus the next August to serve as equipment manager with the team that turned out to be national champions. Though one of the "team grunts," Coach never spoke condescendingly to me, but he was always warmly appreciative of the tiny contribution I made to the effort.

I have just two regrets about my four magnificent years in Pella: that I never took a course with Van Hoeven; and that I denied Coach when he personally asked me to be "head" manager my senior year. That frustrated him and he found someone else to do the work. But thereafter, he always greeted me with that deep, graveled voice, genuine grin, gleaming eye, and firm grip.

Thanks be to God for the witness of Ron Schipper. As you walk "the valley of the shadow," Joyce, Sara, Tim (and Karen) and Thom, may you find solace in the risen Christ he followed and in the testimony of thousands of people whose lives he enriched. Big Red has lost its giant; but the heavenly host has a new field general.

Marc Hernandez '96
I spent four of the greatest years of my life at Central because of Coach Schipper. His influence changed the course of my life from a know it all kid from Los Angeles, California to a proud and humble graduate of Central College. I like so many others am deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Schipper. Not only was he a great man, but he molded so many of us to be the men we are today. I know that if it were not for Coach I would have never earned my degree. In 1992 he gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to attend Central and I will always be grateful.

There are so many stories of Coach that I remember. One thing is for sure, we all new he loved coaching football whether it was meetings, practices, or games. None more evident than one August football camp, when the heat and humidity was especially high (just like every August). One of us remarked that the heat index was so high that the farmers weren't allowed to let the cattle out and had to water them down to keep them cool. There we were getting ready for a full gear practice. Coach Schipper started making animal noises; I suppose to make us feel better. We all had a great laugh, forgot about the heat, and practiced. Coach Schipper was the best and there will never be another Man like him.

Finally, on the day of graduation from Central, my mother and I ran into Coach Schipper at the end of the commencement. I proceeded to introduce her to Coach, "Mom this is Coach Skip, and he WAS my football coach." Coach put his hand on my shoulder, looked me dead in the eyes, smiled and said, "Marcus, I will ALWAYS be your football Coach." I will never forget how important he made me feel that day. Coach was a large influence in my life and without him knowing it, he also changed the course of my life because he gave me the opportunity to attend Central, get an education, play football, and learn about life from one of the greatest men to ever walk this earth.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Coach Schipper's family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for allowing him to share a part of his life with me.

Bill Thomas '70
We have all truly lost a superior person with the death of Ron Schipper. But those many of us who have experienced his strength of personality, and purpose will always carry that magnified effect throughout our lives, and the lives we may influence through our lives. Coach Schipper would not have expected any less of us - he always expected more, and better of his players.

Central College has had a significant effect on my life. The first example of my life-changing experiences in Pella was in the person (or voice) of Ron Schipper. During the first day of football practice freshman year (1966) I and my team mates were running the required under seven minutes mile. My memory of this event is the intimidatingly encouraging voice of Coach Schipper booming out over the Kyper Stadium public address system. "Thomas pick up the pace, move your lard butt". To me, at the time, the voice of God was urging me on to meet the required time. I did make it just under seven minutes, and later a few other required mile runs, as well.

Coach Schipper was a fair, direct, and caring coach and teacher. Experiencing such personalities of such quality at Central is why I have also experienced success in my life, and will always be grateful for the positive and supportive influence I gained from Coach Schipper and others. Coach Schipper exerted influence over every player he ever had on a team. I was not a star. I was a member of the team, and have forever been a better person because of coach, Ron Schipper. I know he has affected others in other ways, and in more long lasting and personal ways. But, from that first day of freshman practice, I have been a better person because of what I know from Ron Schipper.

Jason Wilfawn
Coach Schipper was one of the greatest men that I have ever met. He was a true leader, educator, coach, and friend. He had an endless passion for helping his athletes grow: both as athletes but more so as men. He helped us become better football players, friends, co-workers, fathers and husbands. He will leave behind a legacy that I feel will be unparalleled in the coaching world. He will be truly missed by many, many people.

To the Schipper family,
You will be in our prayers. May God help you through this difficult time.

Melinda Mutti '88
To Joyce Schipper and family,
I am writing to you as a 1988 Central grad, and to tell you the truth, I am probably not one of the greatest football fans that ever graduated from the college. However, few people would dispute the effect that the athletic teams have on the morale and general pride that emminates throughout the entire college community. That was certainly the case when I was a student at Central, and even now when I come face to face with, say a Simpson alum, I feel a bit of rivalry well up!

Ian "Eon" Graske '93
It's hard to put into words what Coach Schipper means to me and the impact he has made in my life. Responsibility. Effort. Accountability. Respect. Teamwork. Those are just a few fundamental traits that I was able to take from one of the true greats. His records speak for themselves.

I have to admit, I was very saddened this morning when I heard the news. But after thinking about Coach and my days at Central for a little while, I began to think of the small things. Tiny memories that I had stored away, made me smile. Whether it be listening to Coach sing a song about "containment" to the defensive ends or having me stand near the coaches (but not too close) during a rainy practice so "they" wouldn't get hit by lightning. He worked his players hard and was very tough, but he could always make us smile.

One of the things that I appreciated was that he treated everyone the same. I was nothing more than a tall, skinny, 10th string wide receiver and I didn't quite understand why he would offer me "constructive criticism". Who was I? It wasn't until later that I realized that he wants every player to become a better player. But more importantly, a better person.

I had the pleasure of introducing my wife Sarah to Coach at an alumni dinner in the Chicago area a few years back. She asked me, why does he keep calling you "Eon"? I told her to ask him. His response was, "I know what his name is. HE knows what his name is. But he'll always be Eon to me!" I'm going to miss that...

My thoughts and prayers go to the Schipper family.

Dean and Teresa (Gerlach) Chapman ‘86
Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Schipper family. Coach Schipper was an extraordinary mentor. He quickly earned my trust and affection by virtue of his leadership through example. It will be mentioned quite often by former players that Coach Schipper believed one must strive to be a student first, then an athlete, and ALWAYS a gentleman. This philosophy has been ingrained in me and we have passed along to our son this simple yet resounding belief.

During my four years at Central, as a student-football player, my interaction with coach Schipper was always a positive learning experience. Not only did I learn from him and his coaching staff the necessary technical skills to excel as an athlete, I experienced humility and matured as a person under his tutelage. I am certain my fellow teammates would agree they experienced the same and this essentially made us a better TEAM...better people.

I am sure as many of you do, I often think about the personal lessons that Coach Schipper shared and the significant impact he has made in my life. Through his lasting winning message, he encourages me to be a stronger leader by understanding that you need to genuinely care about others and stand by your convictions if you are going to expect best efforts from individuals.

Coach Schipper will be missed dearly, but remembered always in our hearts.

Go Dutch!