Steven Visser

Steven Visser, 91, of South Haven died early Friday, June 13, at Country Side Nursing Home.
He was born September 6, 1916 in South Haven, Michigan to Grace (Brinks) and John Visser. After graduating South Haven High School, he went on to be educated in Seattle, Washington and returned to South Haven to establish Visser and Son Supply Company. On October 16, 1945, Steve married Viola Wellington who became his partner in life for the next 63 years.

Visser and Son began with his father, John, who maintained a blacksmith shop on the premises, and which he operated for 39 years. It was there that many South Havenites experienced the joy of ownership of their first Schwinn bicycle and in the intervening years there were many occasions when introduced to people no longer remembered, they would exclaim how great the memory of that occasion was in their lives and it always brought a smile to his face. Before his marriage to Viola, Steve became the youngest mayor of South Haven and he remained connected to his community and its citizens throughout his life. After retiring from his business, he went on to work at South Haven Orchard Supply, Western and Southern Insurance Company, the General Store, and then back to work for the City of South Haven as a docent at Liberty Hyde Museum. During those years he was an affable, social guy who was known for his "hugs as therapy" for the many people who came into his vicinity, making many smile and touching those who were looking for a friendly face.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Edward Visser, and a sister, Wilhemenia Freich.
He is survived by his wife – Viola Visser of South Haven, Michigan, his brother Julian "Bud" (Joan) Visser, four daughters – Susan (Jim) Campbell of Eufaula, Alabama, Stephanie (Tomislav Skarica) Visser of Los Angeles, California, Sandra (Al Wildschut) Visser of Dallas, Texas, and Sheryll (Peter) Panagiotopolous of St. Charles, Missouri, one granddaughter Avery Panagiotopolous and one grandson John Roche who resides in Chicago, Illinois. In 1971 he became the host father of Anne Levonius of Finland who subsequently married South Havenite, Tom Maihofer, and throughout the remainder of his life stayed connected to her, Tom, and her two daughters Sara and Laura and they held a special place in his life and heart as family. In addition there were people who far exceeded the affection of friends, David Kellogg of South Haven and Jeff Ducy of the General Store who remained connected and dedicated to him until his death.

In closing his family would like to include the words of a song that has great meaning to Steve and Viola.

" I'd like to be a free as the wind that blows everywhere.
I'd like to be as free as a cloud that floats through the air.
I'd like to be the flame of a fire that lights the sky with my desire to be with you,
my lord with you.

With you I shall walk, all of my life,
with you I'll always be.
With you I shall spend, the rest of my life,
my love in eternity

Alone I wandered on the highway.
Alone and filled with deep despair.
You gave your loving hand to guide me.

Alleluiah.

With you I shall walk, all of my life,
with you I'll always be.
With you I shall spend, the rest of my life,
my love in eternity."


No services are scheduled at this time. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family's online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com. The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.