Bernie Jay Schaap

Bernie Jay Schaap, age 46, of Lismore, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Pipestone County Medical Center in Pipestone, Minnesota. Funeral Services are 10:30 AM Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota, Minnesota. Interment will follow at the Leota Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, March 17, 2016, at the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, on Friday morning at the church.

Clergy Officiating: Rev. Joe VandenAkker
Pianist: Lisa Vander Maten
Congregational Hymns: By the Sea of Crystal / Amazing Grace / Blessed Assurance
Special Music: Because He Lives / Remember Me by the Cornerstone Quartet ~ Mike Hulstein, Jim Knips, Ron Christians, Kent Van't Hof
Active Casket Bearers: Safety Meeting Members ~ Mark Sankey, Brent Feikema, Rod Sas, Curt Van Dyke, Kyle Van Dyke, Norm Kruse, Mike Reese, Ivan Schelhaas, Wade Gunnink, Jeff Lais
Honorary Casket Bearers: The Garage Crew ~ Mark & Karen Hurd, Scott & Julie Hartle, Dennis & Roberta Welgraven, Bruce & Betty Van Peursem, Mike & Jan Kluis, Norm & Ivy (Hublou) Kruse, Mari Sabin, Kent & Chelsea Schaap, Eli Ackerman, Jessamy & the late Eric Schaap.

Brian Jay Schaap was born on May 26, 1969, in Pipestone, Minnesota. He was the youngest child born to Harold and Wylma (Lolkus) Schaap. Bernie was baptized as an infant at the Chandler Christian Reformed Church and made his profession of faith at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. He attended elementary school at Chandler Christian and graduated with the Chandler-Lake Wilson High School Class of 1987. He then attended college at Huron University and South Dakota State University. He went on to help area farmers and then drove truck for many years. Over the last 5 years Bernie had his own business, Buffalo Ridge Livestock, doing dispatch, buying and selling. He was also a part owner with his nephew, Jeff Schaap, in the Timber View Custom Chopping Business.

On July 28, 1995, Bernie was united in marriage to Kari Koelewyn at the Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church in Leota. The couple made their home in Leota and for the past 13 years on Highway 91 near Lismore. They shared over 20 years of marriage and he took partial credit for raising all of their nieces and nephews.

Bernie was a member of the Leota Township Board, Sons of the American Legion – Lismore Post 636, Nobles County Board of Adjustment – Planning & Zoning, and Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church. Bernie lived for his wife and cherished the time they had together. His other enjoyments in life included his dogs, Safety Meetings, Ranger riding, Garage Crew gatherings, educating his family and friends, time with nieces and nephews, and just going for a ride.

Bernie went to his heavenly home on Friday, March 11, 2016, at the age of 46 years, 9 months, and 14 days. Blessed be his memory.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Kari Schaap of Lismore, MN; mother, Wylma Schaap of Edgerton, MN; sisters, Roxine (and Larry) Luinenburg of Sioux Falls, SD, Carla (and Don) Kooiman of Brandon, SD; brother, Harlow (and Anne) Schaap of Chandler, MN; mother-in-law, Leona Koelewyn of Edgerton; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many lucky friends.

Bernie is preceded in death by his father, Harold Schaap; father-in-law, Frank Koelewyn; and nephews, Zachary Koelewyn and Eric Schaap.