Willis Gene Kuiper

Willis was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Phyllis (Ensing) Kuiper. He will lovingly be remembered by his children Douglas (Jill) Kuiper, Thomas (Stacy) Kuiper, and Steven (Elizabeth) Kuiper; grandchildren Daniel (Emily), Nathaniel, Caroline (Jacob), William, Max, Evan, Anna, Ryan, Carson, Gavin; great-grandchildren Isaiah and Noah; sisters and brothers John (Joyce) Kuiper, Albertha Kuiper, Jo Ann (Kuiper) Miersma, Lori (Kuiper) Vellenga, Ann (Kuiper) Ensing, Sadie (Feenstra) Kuiper, Delores (Ensing) Toering, Gloria (Ensing) Hulst, and Calvin (Sherri) Ensing; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Will was a gentle and kind man who loved God, his family, and his country. Originally from Iowa and Minnesota, he moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in his 20s. He served his Heavenly Father faithfully throughout his life and was an elder and member of Zion Reformed Church in Grandville, Michigan. Will grew up on a farm then later served in both the active and reserve forces of the US Army as an artilleryman and radio operator. He worked alongside his brother, John, in construction for most of his life. Will enjoyed many hobbies including flying in his earlier years, softball, fishing, and, most importantly, spending time with his wife, family, and friends.

Will was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Louisa (Hiemstra) Kuiper; father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Adrianna (Vander Sloot) Ensing; brothers Bert and Henry Kuiper; sisters Dorothy (Kuiper) Schut Doorenbos, Hester (Kuiper) Smith, Jeanetta Kuiper, Thelma (Kuiper) Vander Gon; brothers-in-law Kenneth Ensing, Marlin Ensing, Gerald Toering, Cliff Hulst, Joseph Vellenga, Harold Miersma, Rich Vander Gon, Henry Smith, Dave Doorenbos, and William Schut; sisters-in-law Jean (Schemmel) Kuiper and Shirley (Luce) Ensing.

A celebration of Willis’ life will commence 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2025, with visitation at 3 p.m., at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418. In honor of Willis and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Legacy Builders or Wycliffe Bible Translators. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.