Raymond George Kuiper

Raymond George Kuiper, age 87, of Grand Haven, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 24, 2025, at a local care facility. He was born on May 26, 1937, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Claude and Hazel (VanZomeren) Kuiper.

Ray graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in 1955 and then went on to take classes at Muskegon Community College. He then proudly served his country in the US Navy Reserves for many years; his last deployment stationed him overseas in the Middle East and on Battleship New Jersey. Ray married Shirley Bol on July 6, 1960, in Grand Haven.

Ray worked at Eagle Ottawa Leather Co. for most of his working life where he retired from. Prior to this, he spent seven years working at a tannery in Brookfield, Wisconsin. He was a longtime member of Second Christian Reformed Church where he served as elder, deacon, cadet counselor, janitor, and also did the sound board for services there for many years.

Ray served as President of Concern International, was very active in the Gideon's International Grand Haven Camp, and worked on the beginning of a committee for some plant churches and the Fresh Start program. He was also active in Prison Ministry and shared the word of the Lord with as many people as he could.

Ray loved to travel, making dozens of trips to Branson, Missouri with his family and friends and traveling internationally to England for work. He also traveled for pleasure to the Netherlands, Canada, and Mexico. During his time on the New Jersey, he was able to take leave time to visit Israel.

Ray enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, boating and camping, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Ray will be forever remembered and missed by his beloved wife of 64 years, Shirley; and their five children: Sandy (Darryl) Kulkis, Mary Kuiper, Dennis (Rebecca) Kuiper, Larry (Anne) Kuiper, and Tim (Christina) Kuiper; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn Holtrop and Barbara Bloem; and sister-in-law, Margaret Danielson.

He was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law.

The Memorial Service for Ray will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Second Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Tim Blackmon officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Gideon's International or Grand Haven Christian School.

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