Calvin Lee Schaap of Grand Rapids, Michigan, (formerly of Zeeland), age 81, passed away on August 7, 2022, following a four month struggle with multiple health issues. His wife and daughters were at his bedside at Butterworth Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Calvin was the third of four children born to Raymond and Susie Schaap in Zeeland, Michigan. Calvin graduated from Zeeland High School in 1958. Following high school, he began his first career as a Seating Engineer at furniture manufacturer Herman Miller in Zeeland, where he stayed for 13 years. During that time, Cal developed his hobby of breeding fish, which eventually led to his second career. He and his brothers Ray and Dave opened "Curious World Pets" in 1973. Over the course of the next 40 years, the brothers had as many as seven stores in the greater Grand Rapids area.

One of his most defining qualities was his love for animals, and the deep bond he shared with his family pets. There was not an animal in true need he would not help, and, much like his mother, fed many of the neighborhood animals and strays as well. Besides his love for animals, Cal also had a passion for cars, and thoroughly enjoyed owning and driving dozens of sports models over his lifetime. In his later years he opted for more comfortable Cadillac sedans, and like his home, kept them in immaculate condition.

Calvin married Louise VanIwaarden in the late '60's. He supported and helped her raise her three children from a previous marriage, and had a son with her, Kelly Coulson Schaap, in 1969. In 1985, he married the love of his life, Susan Martin. They were married for 37 years and had two daughters, Jessica Ruth Schaap born in 1986, and Anna Raye Schaap born in 1987. He was a loving husband and father who worked hard to make a good life for his family.

Calvin is survived by his wife Susan Martin, his son Kelly (Shelly) Schaap, granddaughters Erin and Lauren Schaap, his daughters Jessica and Anna Schaap, his brother and best friend David (Pat) Schaap, and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Geraldine (Jack) Tiemeyer, and his brother Raymond (Ernestine) Schaap.

A memorial service will be held at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, Michigan, on Saturday, August 27. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM, and the service will begin at 3:00 PM. Light refreshments will be served directly following the memorial. Service Details. Visitation
When: Saturday, August 27th, 2022 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Service
When: Saturday, August 27th, 2022 3:00pm
Location: Ofield Funeral Home
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE Kentwood, MI 49508

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