Kenneth Allen Schemper

Ken has been the loving and devoted husband to Barbara (Walcott) for nearly 47 years; the patient and wise father to Kurt (Amy), Greg (Sarah), Keith (Vivian), Jayne (Brad) Jansen, and Paul (Alli); and the fun and beloved grandfather (“Budda”) to Kate, Elia, Cohen, Arie, Gavin, Ezra, Landon, Kai, Ayla, and Mya.

Ken was predeceased by his mother, Mildred; father, Alfred; brother, Gail Schra; father-in-law, Elmer Walcott; and brother-in-law, Rick Walcott. He is survived by his brothers and sisters (Lois Schra), Gaylyn (Steve) Proctor, Rich (Barb) Schemper, Norene (Doug) Van Andel, Karen (Randy) Stephens, (Deb Howe), Tom (Jaci) Walcott, Dan (Kathy) Walcott, John (Katch) Walcott; his mother-in-law, June Walcott; and a slew of nieces and nephews.

Ken will be missed by cherished friends, dear neighbors, and partners in ministry from around the world and from the many communities he called home, including Denver, Fremont, Grand Haven, Nigeria, and Grandville. For the last 33 years, Ken has been an active and valued member of South Grandville CRC, a community Ken and Barb consider family and are endeared to for its love and support.

Growing up in Denver, Colorado, Ken attended Denver Christian Schools before heading to Dordt and then Calvin College, where he met Barb. They married on June 15, 1973, and since then have shared homes, challenges, adventures, joys, and have watched their family grow from two to 22.

Ken received his business degree from Calvin University and later his MBA from Grand Valley State University. In addition to working for Old State Bank, JSJ Corporation, and Harbor Steel, he spent 35 years working for Christian Reformed World Missions (now Resonate): five years in Nigeria as the field accountant, 20 years as Finance Director, and 10 years as Director of Advancement. Ken’s favorite part of working at World Missions was building relationships with coworkers, missionaries, and donors. Soft-spoken and averse to being the center of attention, Ken found subtle ways to speak to people individually, including writing countless notes of encouragement, to make them feel loved and valued. As Director of Advancement, Ken never tired of telling stories of God’s faithfulness and work overseas.

Ken enjoyed good conversations, read much, thought deeply, and spoke graciously about everyone. He was a loyal Tigers fan, a connoisseur of donuts, a hero to his grandkids, and someone who brought joy and laughter to many. He so very deeply loved his family and insisted that his wife, Barb, made "every day special." While he will be missed beyond measure, those who love him remain thankful that his life has been a testament to the faithfulness of God. After learning that her “Budda” had exhausted all treatment options to fight the cancer that had battered his body these past eight years, Ken’s granddaughter asked him what advice he might have for her. He replied, "Put Jesus at the center of your life and everything else will fall into place."

Ken’s advice echoes his favorite Scripture verse, Proverbs 3:5, a passage that resonates with his life well-lived: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Immediate family will hold a graveside service this week and plan to celebrate his life with friends and family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given in Ken’s honor to Resonate Global Mission or Dégagé Ministries.