Kenneth Duane Kuiper

Kenneth Duane Kuiper, 89, of Grand Rapids, finished his life of service to the Lord and entered his eternal home on December 3, 2020. He was born on March 23, 1931 in Kalamazoo, MI to Koert and Jessie Kuiper, the oldest of seven children, Dorothy (Wayne) Allen, Clarence (Susie) Kuiper, Annetta Vander Klok, Jane (Amos) Newhouse, Betty Vliestra, and Jim Kuiper. He grew up in Portage, MI, where he began his career working long hours at the family’s service station. Following that, he transitioned to his next careers, serving in the Portage Fire Department and in home construction. In the early 1970’s he moved his family to Grand Rapids in order to serve as maintenance supervisor for the East Grand Rapids Public Schools and then for Holland Home/Fulton Manor. He was a man who was quiet about voicing his Christian faith, but everyone who knew him saw a loud expression and confirmation of it through his servanthood to others. His servant’s heart was always most evident in his love and care for his family – first and foremost to Martha, his loving wife of 69 years. Together, they modeled a loving, committed marriage for their five children: Kathy (Dan) Buist, Bev (Dave) Phillips, Pat (Dick) Buist, Dale (Esther) Kuiper, and Jay (Diane) Kuiper. He is also survived by 12 loving grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a small memorial service will be held for immediate family. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions can be made to Holland Home Foundation. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.