John Kuieck

Mr. John E. Kuieck was an energetic, loyal and talented man. He worked hard, but always made time for others, serving in his church and encouraging those around him. His outgoing nature made it easy for him to make and keep friends. He was willing to take risks, to try new things and to learn. He had a soft spot for cats and always had one of his own.

Born on March 8, 1934, John entered a world that faced many challenges. He was just a young boy during the years of the Great Depression, but he was old enough to remember some of the traumatic events of the next decade, undoubtedly aware of the developments of World War II. The eldest of two boys born to Ernest and Margaret (Fox) Kuieck, he was raised in Grand Rapids and acquired a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

As a youngster, John liked to build model airplanes. He was interested in knowing how things worked and spent a lot of time examining the workings of his motor scooter. He and his brother, Richard, both had scooters and could often be seen cruising the westside on them. His interest in mechanics stayed with him throughout his life and blossomed from scooters to cars. He often had nice automobiles, including some convertibles, and at one time owned a Corvette.

The Kuieck family had deep roots on the west side of Grand Rapids. Ernest's family was quite large and gave John and his brother a strong sense of belonging and of community. John's family regularly attended Trinity Reformed Church in Grand Rapids and John received a religious foundation that remained with him for the rest of his life. John attended Harrison Elementary School and then went on to Union High School where he graduated with the class of 1952. John was an excellent student and devoted most of his time to his studies.

When John wasn't studying, he was working. During school, he worked at his uncle's drug store, Odie's Drugs. The soda fountain there provided a popular hang out for the young people of the neighborhood. John also worked for another uncle at a greenhouse on the Westside. During the summer months he did yard maintenance for a local family, which took up most of his time. He was ambitious and willing to work, character traits that continued to develop as he grew older.

While in school, John met Chuck Heeringa who was to remain a lifelong friend. Chuck and John shared many adventures together while camping and hiking. Later in life as their paths separated, they still corresponded frequently and met whenever they could. After completing his schooling, John served his country as part of the Michigan National Guard. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College and then transferred to the University of Michigan. He was a member of the Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity and graduated as an architect. He remained a Wolverine at heart for the rest of his life, joining the University of Michigan Alumni, and he loved attending bowl games including the Rose Bowl with friends and alums.

After graduating from U of M, John worked for a short time for a firm in Ypsilanti, then later moved to Grand Haven and worked for a firm there. His vision led him to start his own business, and he founded a company with a friend, John Mayrose. Together they operated the Kuieck and Mayrose Co. until the unfortunate death of Mr. Mayrose. John then went to work for Tridon Construction of Muskegon where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. Never one to be idle by choice, he continued working part time for Dalton Township for five years. During the last months of his life, John took up residence in Ft. Meyer, Florida.

As an architect, John worked on several large projects in Grand Rapids and Muskegon. In the Muskegon area, he worked on The Christian Home for the Aged, the C.W.C project, several projects for Lorin Industries, the Ramada Inn in Whitehall, and the Comfort Inn in Muskegon.

John liked living in the Muskegon area, especially close to Lake Michigan. In the early 1970s, he purchased a piece of property on the sand dunes north of Muskegon. He designed his own home and built it on this property overlooking Lake Michigan, one of the great lakes. The area provided him with many opportunities to participate in some of his favorite pastimes. He liked to snowmobile in the winter and to hike around the state park near his home during the warmer months. He enjoyed camping and loved his home on the lake. After retirement, he took the opportunity to travel, visiting Alaska and the Panama Canal. He even crewed on a four masted schooner and sailed around the Caribbean.

John retained his commitment to church and to the Lord. After he moved to Muskegon, he joined the Laketon Bethel Reformed Church where he was an active member. He sang in the choir, served in the consistory and was a member of the Building Committee. He was willing to serve in any way he could, sharing his talents for the benefit of the congregation.

John is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Linda Kuieck of Mattawan, Michigan; a niece and nephews; and life long friends, Chuck and Jinny Heeringa of DeWitt, Michigan.

John passed away on July 20, 2004, in Florida. He was seventy years old.

Friends will be received on Thursday, August 5, from 6 - 9 PM at the Van't Hof Life Story Funeral Home, 851 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids. There will also be a time of visitation immediately prior to funeral services at 10 AM on Friday, August 6, at the Laketon Bethel Reformed Church, 1568 West Giles Road, Muskegon. Services will be at the church at 11 AM, the Rev. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. To read John's complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Laketon Bethel Reformed Church Endowment Fund, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

John loved life and made the most of the opportunities given to him. He leaves his family and friends with fond memories and a strong example. He will be missed.