Dave Kuiper

A man who was gentle, compassionate, and giving by nature, Dave Kuiper was an extraordinary person to all who knew him. He loved so many things throughout his life, yet it was experiencing these things alongside his loved ones that brought him the greatest joy. Dave was a man of faith who often reminded us that, “We are in His hands today,” and even when the road before him was difficult his life exemplifies his unwavering belief in this truth. He was community minded and felt called to do his part in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in the area he called home throughout his entire life. Although he will be deeply missed, Dave’s memory will be cherished by many.

The 1950s were a vibrant time in American history full of changes that transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. The blue jeans became a part of our wardrobes while we were introduced to Barbie and G.I. Joe and the debut of Candid Camera made us laugh like never before. Nestled within this colorful time was the year 1953 that brought great joy to one family from Grandville, Michigan, as they were thrilled to welcome two healthy baby boys into their hearts and home on October 8th. David Kurt was one of four children in his family including his older brother, Bill, his twin brother, Dan, and his younger brother, Steve. At the time of his birth Dave’s father worked for an ash removal business while his mother was a homemaker. The family regularly visited Shady Shores and later purchased a cottage on Gun Lake. From an early age Dave liked to water ski, even doing so on his father’s shoulders. He also liked swimming and boating, spending as much time around water as he could. Dave attended West Side Christian School and went on to Grand Rapids Christian High School, graduating in 1972.

It was during his formative years that Dave met the young girl with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Lois Northouse, and they met at Shady Shores when she was 14 years old and Dave was just one year her senior. Since they were too young to drive, the couple made things work as they did manage to get Dave’s older brother interested in Lois’s neighbor, Ruth, which allowed Dave to ride along in the car as well as the opportunity for Dave and Lois to go out on double dates.

After dating for five years the couple married on September 13, 1973, at Dutton Christian Reformed Church. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in the Smokey Mountains and returned home to their place on Jennette Street. They later moved to a home on Westmont Drive NW until finally settling into his parents’ home on Acton Road. Together they were blessed with their daughter, Marianne, and later their twin girls, Sara and Elizabeth.

Spending time with his family was always a priority in Dave’s life. Memorable moments were shared at the “cottage” tobogganing behind the boat, and there were also fun-filled trips to Mackinac Island every year where they camped at Mill Creek for one week and rode around the island.

Dave’s early years in the work force found him making crates at Oliver Machinery. His grandfather and father founded WFUR, a local radio station, and Dave began working there off the air initially, when he was just a kid. He later filled in on air during night or weekend shifts, and when he was 16 Dave started working on Sunday afternoons on the air. By 1978 he was working mornings exclusively during which time he was responsible for news and broadcasting. He called WFUR his home until just recently as he thought it was his mission to provide Christian broadcasting to his community. Dave felt it was important to make it easy for people to find spiritual meaning on the radio. He even went to Grand Valley State University while working full-time to earn his degree.

Throughout his lifetime Dave’s life was enriched in so many ways. He always had a love for motorcycles, although it lessened a bit once his girls were born, but once they were grown he was delighted to have his own Harley-Davidson again. Dave also had a thing for cars as he loved his own convertible mustang and his father’s powder blue Lincoln Mark IV. He enjoyed watching car auctions and was a history buff who was into everything related to WWII. One of Dave’s favorite places to go was down to the Gilmore Car Museum to see the old cars. He was into the latest gadgets and was well versed on the iPod touch and various computers, and with a thing for cameras he loved pouring his heart into making slide or video shows for his girls and grandchildren. Dave continued to travel over the years with some of his most noteworthy trips including one to Disney World and one out West where he rode “Big Bill” the horse. He liked watching television and was a huge “trekkie” who also enjoyed all types of music, as long as it wasn’t country! Dave loved mowing his lawn with his earphones on, but he was never really one to get his hands dirty. He was known for his sweet tooth whose favorites were coconut cream pie and anything milk chocolate, especially Bill Knapp’s chocolate cake.

In 2009 Dave and his loved ones were given a tough pill to swallow when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He fought the disease hard over the two years that followed and truly embraced each moment he was given while visiting places like Disney World and Mackinac Island in addition to going on a cruise and indulging in whatever food he wanted.

Through the life of Dave Kuiper we are reminded that each day is a gift to be fully lived while loving our family and friends. He will be remembered as easy going and secure, generous and kindhearted, but most of all he will be remembered as a man of faith. Dave will be deeply missed.

Dave Kuiper age 58, a good and faithful servant of our Lord and Savior, went to his Eternal Home on April 28, 2012. He was preceded in death by his father, William E. Kuiper; and in-laws, Harvey (Ann) Northouse. Dave is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lois; daughters, Marianne (Aaron) Oostveen, Sara (Greg) Dykema and Elizabeth (Nate) Bazen; grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Lawson, Ireland, Genevieve, Christian, and Aubry; mother, Alma Kuiper; brothers, Bill (Ruth) Kuiper, Rev. Dan (Jeananne) Kuiper, and Steve (Lisa) Kuiper; brother-in-law, Bernie (Phyllis) Northouse; and many nieces and nephews. Dave worked as the morning announcer for WFUR for over 30 years. A Celebration of his life will be held at 2 PM on Thursday at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend St. NW. Friends may visit with his family from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Wednesday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory to West Side Christian School or Faith Hospice would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read his lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.