Donald Kuipers

Don Kuipers was a man of passion, of inspiration, and of motivation. He was a man who not only followed his dreams to fruition, but shared his successes with all those around him. Don was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, whose legacy lives on today in all who knew him.

Don's story began on a cool spring day in 1935, in the little burg of Park Township, near Holland, Michigan. Those were difficult times for many, but on April 6, 1935, John and Viola (Mulder) Kuipers found reason to celebrate, with the birth of a baby son they named Donald.

Don joined his brothers Robert, Kenneth, Jack, and Charles and sisters Adelaide, Marianne and Connie in the family's home. Growing up, Don formed a lifelong love for fishing, which led to another love - cooking.

After he graduated from Holland High School in 1953, he married the love of his life, Judith Bos on August 26, 1953. After settling into their new life together, Don would try his hand in many endeavers. He managed several entities in the Holland area at different times at places like Macatawa Bay Yacht Club and Carousel Mountain Ski Lodge. At one point he (and the whole family) commuted north to Thompsonville, Michigan, to manage the growing Crystal Mountain Ski Resort for two winters.

The experience he gained working for others taught him much about running his own business, which was his dream. Eventually he and Judy owned and operated the Sandy Point Restaurant for 17 years, and later the Wooden Shoe Restaurant, which they owned for 38 years, making it a Holland-area icon known for its bountiful breakfasts. Despite being the owner, Don was never afraid of helping out in the kitchen, and absolutely loved to cook.

As successful as he was in business, Don's personal life was even more rewarding. Besides being married to a wonderful woman, he and Judy were blessed with three children, Craig, Clark and Kimberly. Don was an excellent father and grandfather, so supportive and easy going, and an excellent role model, as well.

Don and Judy enjoyed a full and active life together, from traveling to The Netherlands which Don was so fascinated with, to visiting Alaska with their close friends, Bill and Molly Baker.

Sadly, Don died on Sunday, June 10, 2007, at his home, at the age of 72.

Don was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life, with an entrepreneurial spirit and a tireless motivation to see his dreams come true. Don was a man who worked hard to deserve all his many blessings, and a man we were so blessed to have known. He will be greatly missed.

Don was preceded in death by his by his parents, John and Viola; his brothers, Robert Kuipers and Jack Kuipers; and his sister, Adelaide Brondyke.

He is survived by his wife Judith Kuipers of Holland; his children, Craig and Nancy Kuipers of Holland, D. Clark and Barbara Kuipers of Holland, and Kimberly and Bill Petroelje of Holland; six grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, Kenneth and Dona Kuipers of New Holland, PA, Charles and Amber Kuipers of Blue Ball, PA, Marianne and Garo Kalpakjian of Pompano Beach, FL, Connie and Bradford Williams of Jackson, MI; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Kuipers of Holland and Gloria Kuipers of Uma, AZ; his brother-in-law, Ronald Bos of Blacksburg, VA; and several nieces and nephews and several close friends. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 2:00pm at Central Park Reformed Church, 614 Myrtle Ave. with Rev. David Landegent officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6-9pm at the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street. Burial will take place at Graafschap Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or the Central Park Reformed Church Building Fund. Arrangements by Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, Inc., Mulder Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of Don, or to sign the online guestbook.