Herman J. Kuipers
Died July 21, 2014
NORTHPORT – Herman John “Skip” Kuipers, 91, of
Northport, passed away Monday, July 21, 2014 at Bortz Health Center of Traverse
City.
Skip was
born March 18, 1923 in the Netherlands the son of John and Heinja (Motshagen)
Kuipers. Skip’s father immigrated to
Port Colburn, Ontario, Canada to look for work and housing. His family passed through Ellis Island and
joined him later. Skip’s brother, Jerry,
was born in Canada prior to the family moving to the Detroit area.
Skip, as a
Dutch citizen, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at age 18 and proudly served the
U.S. during WWII. He was granted U.S.
citizenship at the end of his service while still in Paris. Upon his return home Skip began to work at
his families’ metal stamping plant in Centerline, MI. Later he worked for Chrysler Corp and helped
develop a mobile home park in Midland, MI.
Skip met the
love of his life in Auburn, MI when he helped a friend put up curtains for
Shirley Schroeder. They were married
Aug. 6, 1966 in Bay City. Their son, John,
was born Sept. 30, 1973 and passed away in Aug. 1974.
Skip and
Shirley enjoyed years traveling in their motorhome from Michigan to Florida, to
Alaska and all parts in between. Skip’s
mother, Helen, joined them on many occasions.
He also enjoyed his conversations with family and friends, reading, fishing
and he loved working in his shop where he could make anything.
Skip is
survived by his wife, Shirley; many loving nieces, nephews and friends, brothers
in law, Larry (Gayle) Schroeder of Independence, MO, Dick (Doris) Schroeder of Meridian, ID, a sister in law, Judith Kuipers of Fresno, CA and a
godchild, Kristen Kramer of Chicago, IL.
He was
preceded in death by his son, John; his parents, and a brother, Jerry Kuipers.
Visitation
will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 25 at the Martinson Funeral Home
of Suttons Bay. The funeral service will
be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 26 with friends welcome to visit one hour
prior to the service also at the funeral home. Burial in Midland Memorial Gardens will be
held at a later date. Father James
Hayden, Immaculate Conception Church of Traverse City will officiate.
In lieu of
flowers memorials may be directed to Special Olympics, 12337 Bluff Road
Traverse City, MI 49686; Salvation Army, P.O. Box 5228, Traverse City, MI
49696-5228, and/or to a Charity of One’s Choice.
Arrangements
are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
Aunt Shirley, we were so saddened to hear of Uncle Skip's passing. He is never far from our thoughts, as are you. May you feel the hug of the Angels during this time of sorrow. Tim and I love you so much.
ReplyDeleteDear Shirley, may you find comfort in the love of family & friends during this difficult time. I have fond memories of visiting with you, Skip & your mother-in-law when you would come to Reflections Restaurant for lunch or dinner. I have never forgotten you and all the other regular guests that have touched my life during my 12 years at Reflections. With deepest sympathy, Pamela Weisler
ReplyDelete