Richard J. Kuiper

June 4, 1923 - January 4, 2020

MT. PLEASANT – Richard J. Kuiper, age 96, left this earthly world peacefully at home on Saturday, January 4, 2020, to be with his heavenly Father. Richard was born on June 4, 1923, in Franksville, WI, to John and Winifred (Reyenga) Kuiper. Richard married Ruth Osinga of Franksville on May 10, 1946 and they celebrated 73 years together. The couple farmed for 45 years on Hy. 20 and raised three children. In 1993, they moved to a home nearby to enjoy their retirement years. In retirement, Richard and Ruth took trips to Europe (Germany and Switzerland) and travelled to the Netherlands with Ruth’s sisters to see some of the towns their parents had immigrated from. Other trips included Myrtle Beach, SC and Philadelphia, PA. When his children attended Racine Christian School, Richard was on the School Board and assisted on many renovation projects. He was actively involved in his church but really found his calling on the Decorating Committee later in life. He liked to decorate the church for Easter and Christmas celebrations, however, his greatest gift was constructing the many banners that adorned the sanctuary. Richard was preceded in death by his wife and parents; brothers: William Kuiper and Henry Kuiper; sister: Winnie Kuiper; sisters-in-law: Flossie Kuiper, Annette Kuiper, Maggie Kuiper, Rose Nowak, Effie (Zimmerman) Wynkoop, Bertha Fiedler, and Ann Anderson and their spouses; and brothers-in-law: Dowie, Peter, Jim, John, Art, Fred and Joe Osinga, and their spouses. He is survived by his children: Cyndi (Mike) Owens, Fitchburg, WI, Marcia (Ken) Brondyke, New Brighton, MN, and Dennis Kuiper, Mt. Pleasant; grandsons: Jason and Kevin Owens, Madison, WI, Philip (Stacy) Brondyke, Annandale, VA, and Glen (Noelle) Brondyke, Arden Hills, MN; great-grandchildren: Lauren and Anna Brondyke, VA and Betsy and Will Brondyke, MN; brothers: John Kuiper, Racine, and Clarence (Marcella) Kuiper, Franksville; and sisters-in-law: Pauline Kuiper and Sharon Osinga, Racine. The funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois Street, Racine, with visitation preceding at 9:30am. Pastor Anson Veenstra will be officiating. After the service, a luncheon will be served at the church. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 9000 Washington Avenue, Mt. Pleasant. Sturino Funeral Home is assisting the family with preparations. A picture tribute of Richard’s life is available on their website www.sturinofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Racine Christian School Endowment Fund, 912 Virginia Street, Racine, WI 53405.