Donald Richard Kuipers

01/06/1931 - 04/25/2011

KUIPERS,
Donald Richard
January 6, 1931-
April 25, 2011

Don was born and raised in Chicago, IL, the youngest of four children, John, Marie and June. After graduating from Kelly High School he attended DePaul University. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as an Airman Radio Electrician flying reconnaissance missions over the South China Sea. In 1956 he met his loving wife Mary Schulte who would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this August. While working as a part time security guard and fulltime salesman for Ryerson Steel of Chicago, Don and Mary began raising four children, Mark, Lynn, Karen, and Peggy while living in the suburb of Oaklawn, IL. In 1965 Don and Mary made a life changing move to Spokane, WA where their fifth child Andrew was born in 1967. Towards the end of Don's career at Ryerson he and Mary moved to Kent, WA. When retirement came, the couple settled in Post Falls, ID where he was preceded in death by son Andrew Kuipers. Don enjoyed playing the saxophone, listening to good jazz and playing golf. He was a meticulous worker around the house and enjoyed building things for his six grandchildren. Deep in his heart he loved to teach his kids about their Chicago heritage, and always stayed close to family and friends in Illinois. Living in Post Falls allowed him to become a member of the local American Legion Post where he looked forward to telling stories from the past. His special qualities went beyond his hobbies and interests. Don's greatest gift came in being such a caring and patient listener to family and friends. He was blessed with a warm friendly personality, coupled with his south Chicago sense of humor. His passing will truly leave an empty space in all of us, for he set the standard for personal character and integrity. We take comfort in knowing that a part of Don will continue to live by the reflection of the lives of his family. He was a man who gave unselfishly of himself to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 7, 2011 at St. George's Catholic Church, 2010 N. Lucas St. Post Falls, ID with a luncheon to follow in the church basement. ENGLISH FUNERAL CHAPEL, POST FALLS, ID.