William 'Bill Charlie' Kuiper

William Charles Kuiper, 88, was called home to his Heavenly Father on Monday March 29, 2010, at his residence with his loving and devoted family by his side.

William was born in Racine on October 9, 1921, the son of Charles and Esther (nee: Reyenga) Kuiper. He was united in marriage to Alice Slager in Racine on December 18, 1942, at Racine Christian Reformed Church. Bill was a successful self-employed dairy and crop farmer along with the help of his wife and daughters, retiring at the age of 75.

He was a dedicated and life-long member of Racine Christian Reformed Church and served as church deacon along with attending men’s forum Bible study in his younger years. Bill attended Racine Christian School and was a member of the Christian School Society.

He touched many lives and radiated warmth and love to all who knew him. Our dad, grandpa and great grandpa was a very fun-loving, affectionate man who enjoyed meeting people and more than anything enjoyed spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 67 years, Alice; four daughters, Joyce (Melvin) of Lakefield, Canada, Nancy (Clarence “Clary”) Kuiper of Racine, Jerreleen “Jeri”(Jaap) Kroes of Leighton, Iowa, Shelly (Randy) Friesema of Racine; one sister, Nellie (Harry) Kingsfield of Franksville. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tami, Angie, Julie, Kevin, Lori, Ryan, Daniel, Katie and Kellie, nine great-grandchildren, Shelby, Riley, Lola, David, Dylan, Haley, William, Alex and Julianna; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard; two sisters, Winnie and Elsie; three sons-in-law, Gary, David and Ken.

Services honoring and celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Racine Christian Reformed Church, 900 Illinois St., on Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Doug Aldrink officiating. Bill will be laid to rest at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at Sturino Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Racine Christian School, Care Net Family Resource Center, 2405 Northwestern Ave. Racine, WI   53404 have been suggested.

The Kuiper family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Hospice Alliance for their care and compassion given to Bill and his family during his  illness over the past few months. May God Bless You!

 Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479