Ron Kunnen

Ron Kunnen, age 85, of Grand Rapids, was called home and welcomed by his Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret Kunnen, and son-in-law, Doug Bakker. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Anne; children, Sandi and Rog Bronsink, Dan and Kathy Kunnen, Lynne Bakker, Jeff and Jean Kunnen; grandchildren and great-grand children, Paul and Hang Bronsink (Chloe and Thea), Amy and Daniel Tredway, Shari and Dusty Elgersma (Ainsley and Laine), Kim and Bill Kool (Peyton and Emmy), Matt and Jill Bakker (Evie and Arie), Jordan and Sara Bakker, Luke and Katie Kunnen, Brent and Kara Kunnen, Joshua and Erica Kunnen, Rachel Kunnen, Nate Kunnen and fiancee, Gracey Shira, Nicole and Gareth Flynn, brother Bob and Jackie Kunnen; brother-in-law, Harold and Hazel Christians, and several nieces and nephews.

Ron and his valued partner, Don Koop, bought the original Family Fare from Paul Baker (Holland) in 1973. By the middle 1980s, it had grown to 13 stores in West Michigan and North Indiana. The growth was attributed to wonderful employees who Ron greatly admired for their loyalty and dedication. Ron sold his shares of the business in 1994 to Don. His hobbies included flying single engine airplanes, biking, jogging, reading, and traveling with family and grandchildren frequently. He and his loving and devoted wife, Anne, were also involved in the Heartside Area as volunteers, Crossroads Prison Ministry, Partners for Christian Development in Haiti with long-time friend, Ernso Louis, and in starting Back Door at LaGrave CRC. Funeral services will be held Thursday November 21, 2019, 11 am at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Kentwood) 4646 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, with Rev. Mike Hoogeboom officiating.  Interment Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Kentwood) 4646 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, and from 10:00-10:45 prior to service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Crossroads Prison Ministry (http://cpministries.org).