Fred Kuipers

Fred Kuipers was a man of great faith who lived his life with others in mind, his life a constant reflection of the beliefs he held so dear. He was an active man who always made time to cherish those he held most dear, his Lord and his family.

The 1920’s were a period of great change within the culture of our nation as speakeasies, flappers, and the new sounds of jazz were all the rage. Henry and Sylvia (Royle) Kuipers, of Muskegon, Michigan experienced a change of their own as they were blessed on March 9, 1926 with the healthy birth of their son Fred.

After he graduated from Muskegon High School in 1944, Fred soon honorably served his country in the Air Force during WWII. Brighter days arrived for Fred when he married Betty Helton on August 20, 1949 and the couple was soon blessed with the births of three sons of their own.

Fred supported his family with his work as a terminal manager at Holland Motor Express in Muskegon which relocated him to the Holland area in 1961 where he worked in sales. He would eventually retire in 1994 after 48 years of service. Fred was a compassionate father and he lavished his children with his unconditional love and devotion.

Faith was a constant cornerstone in Fred’s life and was the basis for how he made every decision, spoke every word, and lived each day as well. Fred was a member of the Central Wesleyan Church where he was also a choir member, offering praise with his voice. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Holland Rescue Mission, and a tutor for Kids Hope, where he was named tutor of the year in 2007. Fred was also a member of the Lions Club, a little league coach, and wrote poetry for the Holland Sentinel on Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. In his free time, Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing with his family.

Fred Kuipers was an extraordinary man who brightened the days of those around him just by being who he was each and every day. He was generous and kind, always looking for ways that he could be of service to others. Fred left behind a legacy of faith and love which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed.

Fred N. Kuipers, of Holland, died Thursday, February 5, 2009 at his home. Fred’s family includes his wife of 59 years, Betty; sons, Steve (Deb) Kuipers , Randy (Linda) Kuipers, Bradley (Laure) Kuipers, all of Holland; grandchildren, Jeff, Todd, Stacey, Jennifer, Chad, Jessica, Matt, Brett, Katy, Jen, Bruce, Daniel, Mason, Clayton Kuipers, great grandchildren, Tanner, Brooklin, Raelin, Devin, Alec, Kirstin, Riley, and Brendin Kuipers; a sister, Shirley Vasser of Las Vegas; a brother, Henry (Judy) Kuipers of Hart, MI. Fred was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Ashlin Faith Kuipers. Visit with Fred’s family and friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Northwood Chapel, MI 295 Douglas Ave, Holland. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Central Wesleyan Church, Chapel, 446 W. 40th St. Holland. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory for the family, sign a guest register, or to make a memorial contribution to the Holland Rescue Mission or the Hospice of Holland.