Bernard R. 'Bernie' Kuiper

KUIPER, Bernard R. "Bernie"
of Delton, Michigan
formerly of Portage Bernie Kuiper, loving husband, father and grandfather, age 75, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, February 3, 2013 at his home. He was born in The Hague, The Netherlands on February 21, 1937, a son of the late Hendrik and Roelfien Hazelhoff Kuiper. In 1956, he and his family moved to the US and settled in Kalamazoo, MI. Bernie entered the US Army National Guard in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1965. He worked as an HVAC technician for the Upjohn Company for over 30 years, retiring in 1997. Bernie also owned Gun Lake Telescoping Flag Poles and worked at the Gilmore Car Museum. In his younger years Bernie was active with Boy Scout Troup 205 in Kalamazoo. He was a member of the German American Club, loved to garden, fish and travel. On September 21, 1962 Bernie was united in marriage with the former Diane Toering, who survives. Also surviving are: two children and their spouses, Cary Tammy Kuiper of Portage and Deb James Sears of Grand Rapids; five grandsons, Ryan, Kyle and Cameron Kuiper and Hayden and Parker Sears; two sisters, Angie Bob Diver of Texas Township and Tena Terry Chapman Bruce of Bitely, MI; sisters- and brother-in-law, Betty Hiemstra, Marian Roger Cook and Mark Shirley Toering; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-7 pm and services will be held 11:00 Saturday morning at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Pastor Bill Bourne will officiate. Private interment will be held in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. Memorials should be directed to the Gilmore Car Museum.