Dixon “Dick” Lee Kuipers ’67

Dixon “Dick” Lee Kuipers, 81, of Onekama, died Sunday, July 3, 2016, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

He was born October 10, 1934, in Grand Rapids, the son of Bernard “Ben” and Adrianna (Leonhardt) Kuipers. Dick received his B.S. from Hope College and his M.S. from the University of Wisconsin. He went on to teach and coach at Onekama Consolidated Schools, and he retired from Dearborn Schools in 1992.

Following his retirement, Dick traveled to various Northern Michigan craft shows selling Petoskey stone jewelry. He also enjoyed fishing. Most of all, Dick loved to spend time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

In 1956, Dick married Mary Hornstra who survives him. He is also survived by: his daughters, Elizabeth “Betsy” Kuipers of Traverse City, Laura Kuipers of Traverse City, and Barbara (Steve) Parker of Traverse City; his grandchildren, Eric Parker of Newberry, Jenna Parker of Gainesville, Florida, and Caren Parker of Traverse City; his sisters-in-law, Eileen Kuipers of Zeeland and Ruth Dailey of Holland; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Dick was preceded in death by: his parents; his brothers, Bernard “Bernie Kuipers and Alvin Kuipers; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Winifern Hornstra; his brother-in-law, Carl Dailey; and his sister-in-law, Joyce Kuipers.

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