Richard Allen Kuiper

Richard Allen Kuiper, age 79, of Grand Haven, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Friday, November 8, 2024. He was born on December 29, 1944, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to the late Henry and Ruth (Mejeur) Kuiper. Rich married Susan Mary Johnson on June 7, 1968, in Grand Rapids.

Rich graduated from Portage Central High School where he participated in Football, Basketball, and Track. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hope College, and then his master’s degree in administration from Michigan State University. He taught Physical Education for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 38 years, and at different points in his career, also served as Junior High Athletic Director, High School Assistant Athletic Director, and a Varsity Wrestling Coach for many years. He also served as an Assistant Principal at Grand Haven High School.

Some of Rich’s most memorable years were spent directing the summer program at Camp Geneva. He also served as an Elder in Reformed Church in America, past President of the Muskegon Classis of the Reformed in America, and Board Member of Words of Hope.

Parkinson's Disease entrapped Rich in his last eight years, which ended his trips to Tucson, hiking, running, and golfing, but never Fricano's pizza, and his children’s and grandchildren’s events. He received a lot of caring support from Home Health Care, Quincy Place staff, and Emmanuel Hospice.

Rich is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan Kuiper; and his four children: Dr. Matthew (Angela) Kuiper of Mattawan, Michigan, along with their children: Ava, William, Amelia, and Anders; Paul (Angelica) Kuiper of Tucson, Arizona, along with their children: Daniel, Abraham, and Mia; Abigail (Matthew) Berkey of Cincinnati, Ohio, along with their children: Heidi, Karin, and Lucy; and Mary Elizabeth Kuiper of Grand Haven. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Kammeraad of Portage, Michigan; sister-in-law, Nancy (Tim) Brown; brother-in-law, Tom Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Lhamon.

The Funeral Service for Rich will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Pillar Church (57 E. 10th St, Holland, MI, 49423), with Rev. Dr. Tim Brown and Rev. Dr. Jon Brown officiating.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Klaassen Funeral Home, Grand Haven. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Words of Hope, Geneva Camp and Retreat Center, Pillar Church in Holland, or Parkinson's Foundation-Great Lakes.

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