Philip Arnold Schapka's Obituary
Mr. Philip Arnold Schapka, age 90, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Heartland Health Care Center in Whitehall. He was born in Muskegon on October 26, 1923 to Andrew Schapka (Şapcă >Shapka >Schapka), a native of Transvaal, Romania, and Margaret Marie Kumives [Mason, Americanized], a native of Austria-Hungary. Phil, called “Arnold” by his family, spent his early years in Muskegon Heights where his parents owned the Schapka Grocery store. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1941. In 1943 he was drafted into the US Air Force and was an airplane and engine mechanic during World War II, in the 448th bomb group. His MOS was 747. On 25 July 1949 he married the former Mrs. Nellie May (Hall) Draper in Muskegon. Phil worked 40 years for Continental Motor Company, later called Teledyne, at Market Street and later at Getty Street. Possessing initiative and being industrious, he rose in position from being time clerk to night superintendent. Phil was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, only changing to St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where he was a member for 57 years, when he moved to Norton Shores. Phil enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and playing golf with his Uncle Charlie and brother, Paul. SURVIVORS include three children, Gayle (Stephen) Darke of Twin Lake, John Andrew (Christa) Schapka of Harrison Township, Michigan, and Christopher Lynn (Patricia) Schapka of Jenison, Michigan; two step-sons, Jerry Draper, of Crozier, West Virginia, and Larry Draper of Hart, Michigan; one brother, Paul (Jane) Schapka of North Muskegon; 6 grandchildren, Kristi [Darke] Hagstrom, Holly [Darke] Stafford, Leah [Darke] Humphrey, Emily Schapka, Nathan Schapka, Vaughn Schapka, plus Robert Rouse, who at age two claimed Phil as his grandpa; 4 great-grandchildren, Makenna May Baker, Brynlei Rayne Hagstrom, Dane Stephen Hagstrom, Ava Marie Humphrey; and nieces and nephews in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers: Vasile “Red” or “Jeep” (Jean) Schapka, deceased at Oklahoma City, OK ; and Robert Charles Schapka, who died and vanished on the border of Germany and The Netherlands during the assault on Flossberg near the Rhine River during WWII. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, January 30, 2014 at Marian Chapel of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken Ave.) with Rev. Fr. Philip P. Salmonowicz presiding and Full Military Rites afforded under the auspices of VFW Muskegon County Council. VISITATION will be held one hour prior to the service at the church (10-11 AM). MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation, 1851 Barclay, Muskegon MI 49441, or to a charity of your choice. Entombment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Please sign the on-line guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey Street, 231 798-1100.
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