Thomas Harm Kuiper

Thomas (Tom) H. Kuiper, Sr. June 18, 1943 – November 1, 2020 Gobles, Michigan On Sunday, November 1, 2020, Thomas H. Kuiper of Gobles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at Sojourner Place, surrounded by his family after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom was born on June 18, 1944, in Kalamazoo, MI, to John and Lola (Holmes) Kuiper. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School and attended Western Michigan University. In 1966, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) and served for six years as a Combat Engineer, 9th Marine Corps District. He made his career at Manatron, Inc., Portage, MI, developing and providing property tax software solutions and services for businesses throughout North America. He raised two sons, Tommy and Tony, a daughter, Pammella, and a step-daughter, Candy. Tom was known for his quick wit, devilish smile, and stubbornness. He had a passion for maintaining his 2.1-acre lakefront yard, bass fishing, playing occasional golf, and collecting coins. He was an NRA Life member and an avid NASCAR fan. A member of the Michigan Flywheelers and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Allegany Aerie 2315, his friends could always count on Tom to volunteer at the annual Antique Engine and Tractor show, community fish fry events, and helping out at the local pub. Tom was preceded in death by his father, John, his mother, Lola, and his eldest son Tommy. He is survived by children, Tony, Pammella (Kuiper) Laszlo, step-daughter Candy Hays; his grandchildren, Colin Laszlo and Izzy Kuiper; his brother Jack, niece and nephew, John and Nikki. A private family graveside funeral service will be held at a later time. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, Portage. Please share a memory or a message online: https://www.avinkcremation.com/obituaries/Thomas-Kuiper/#!/TributeWall Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, Online: https://www.hospiceswmi.org/give/ or Mail: Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Designate your gift as a memorial for Rose Arbor in memory of Thomas H. Kuiper. Condolences and notification of memorial gifts can be sent to Pammella Laszlo, 94-1016 Halepuna Street, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tom will be missed by all who knew and loved him.