We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Steven here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
On rainy days Mr. Visser would let us fold our newspapers in his store. He showed us all how to do it right, and made sure we got going on time so not to be late. Even now I don't like being late. Thank You Mr. Visser.
Dale WIckham
June 16th, 2008 at 12:00am
Stephanie, Sandy and Vi - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget Steve and his "therapy hugs". He always made me feel special. I didn't know he was mayor! God Bless. Mary Ann Antrim, Missoula, Montana
Mary Ann Antrim
June 16th, 2008 at 12:00am
I was a Daddy’s girl. As a little girl, I remember asking him to marry me when I grew up, sitting by the kitchen window watching for him to come home, and him rescuing me when my sisters picked on me. Beginning in my early college days, we began a tradition of having a “Sunday morning beer” together whenever I was home on the weekend. We couldn’t open it before 11:00 and it had to be opened before noon. We would then just sit and talk. This was our special tradition that continued whenever we were together on Sunday mornings. I had my last “Sunday morning beer” with Dad 12 days before he died. I know my father loved me and I was lucky to have him in my life for as long as I did. I will miss him deeply.
Sandra Visser
June 17th, 2008 at 12:00am
There will be always a Reflection
Theo &Cora Berends
June 17th, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Sheryl, and Family, I'm so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.The last time I had seen him he was cheerful as I remember him being, back in the day.
Scot Leist
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00am
To the Visser Family especially Cheryl. My prayers are with you and your family. I have wonderfuly memories of Visser's and son. My father would buy my brothers and myself a new bike every other year. To see the smile on your dad's face when we came in. You don't find stores like that anymore.
Debra Cunningham Mahone
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00am
I was one of those who purchased his first new bike from Steve. I would guess it was 1950. Steve let me make payments, I think $1.00 a week, taken from the earnings on my paper route. I'm pretty sure Steve and my Dad had discuss this before I walked in the door. Vissers was always a wonderful place to visit, primarily because of the great folks who worked there. I send my condolences to the extended Visser family.
Bil Turner
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00am
I still have my Schwinn Tornado that I bought from Steve "Mr Visser" in 1959. I also have my twin brother Russells Schwinn that is identical to mine. They cost $39.95 in 1959. Like Bill Turner, I think we too had a payment plan from our paper route money. He was a big part of what was special about growing up in South Haven in those years.
Roger Horton
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00am
Sheryl and Family, Please know that our
Chris & David Rumiez
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00am
To the Visser Family,
Suzie (Ghidotti) Traudt
June 20th, 2008 at 12:00am
I was one of the individuals that enjoyed ownership of my first new Schwinn bicycle due to Steve. My father worked for him for many years and when I was 18 I went into his store and asked him if it would be ok if I purchased a new 10 speed bike and pay over time. He very generously and graciously allowed me to do this and even though he gave me a year to pay for it, I payed if off in just a few months. After I moved away from South Haven I would go visit my parents and my mom and I would always go downtown where I was the recipient of one of those special hugs on many occasions. I was just home visiting with my dad a week ago and he told me many stories that involved Steve. He holds a special place in my Dad's life and memories. He will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please except my condolences for your loss.
Terry (White) Kenneman
June 21st, 2008 at 12:00am
Sandra and family, it was with great shock and sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of your dad. Time and space cannot weaken our friendship or depth of our grief for your loss. I wish we had been in town while you were here - to share a long overdue hug. Don't be a stranger when in town, just a few doors down. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeanne Lyon (and family)
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Sandy, Sheryll, Stephanie,Sue, and Mrs. Visser, I want to thank you for all of the years you shared your Dad with so many other children in our Community. My Mom told me of the time he brought our Christmas presents over to the house when my dad didn't pick them up. He wanted to be sure we still had presents under the tree. His hugs were always available to many and truly were good therapy. Growing up with the Visser family in my life has been my good fortune as well as still being able to call you "my friends".
Kate Krenn (Kick)
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:00am
A visit to Vissers was always a treat for me growing up in South Haven. There were so many interesting things for a young boy to wonder about and wish for. There just aren't people around like Steve any more.
Gregg Nelson
June 28th, 2008 at 12:00am
To the Visser Family: I am a distant cousin on the Brinks/Barthel side. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I can remember him when my parents and I would go into the General Store and he knew right away who your were and how you where related to him. Well he is up there in heaven with dad drinking a beer I am sure. With deepest sympathy
Sabine Barthel Callaghan
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Viola and Family,
Cathy Valkner-Zurek
July 27th, 2008 at 12:00am
Dear Visser Family,
Rose Marie (Holbach) Vann
July 30th, 2008 at 12:00am
