Obituary of Chad Thomas Van Riper

Chad Thomas Van Riper was born on March 17, 1966 in Monroe Michigan. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Thomas Van Riper and Lillian (Welch) Van Riper. He attended school at Monroe High School and graduated with the class of 1984. He worked very hard throughout his life to support his family, most recently working as the Director of Business Planning at US Steel for the past 17 years.

Chad immersed himself in nature by hunting, camping and fishing. He was an excellent cook and always prepared the best meals for those he loved. Known for his sarcastic personality but could always make everyone around him laugh. He was very meticulous; everything had a place and had to be in order. He never shied away from giving his opinion and believed himself to always be right. He was passionate about music, and his favorites were the goodies, but not oldies, from the 60’s and 70’s.

Above anything else, Chad loved his family. He enjoyed time spent with his wife Rachael, whom he married on October 28, 2015 and of course, his children. Nothing made him happier than to watch them grow. Chad was a smart, hard-working, and kind man who was loved by all who knew him and will be missed by many.

Chad Thomas Van Riper, age 51, of Monroe, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 9:28pm at Beaumont Hospital in Trenton. He is preceded in death by his father: Thomas Van Riper.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his loving wife: Rachael Van Riper; his children: Brooke Van Riper, Brittany Van Riper and Devin Van Riper, his step daughter: Andrea Gibson; his mother: Lillian Van Riper; his siblings: Michelle (David) Salliote and Kelly (Gary) Montri; his first wife: Tammy Van Riper and many extended family members and friends.

Friends and family may gather on Sunday, March 11, 2018 from 2:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 7:00pm also at Merkles to be officiated by his close friend Marty Beaver.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com.