John David Kuiper's Obituary
Racine – John David Kuiper, 80, affectionately known as David, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.
David was born on February 15, 1946, in Racine to the late William John and Flossie Geneva (née Bos) Kuiper. He spent his life as a hardworking and dedicated person who took pride in serving others, both through his work and within his community.
David was united in marriage to Sally Appenzeller (née McCracken) on April 1, 2017, at Racine Bible Church. Together they shared nine loving years of marriage filled with faith and dedication to others.
David spent his career in a variety of roles within the manufacturing industry, notably working as a tool drafter. He retired from American Champion Aircraft, where he was part of the quality control team. In later years, he found enjoyment working part-time on the grounds crew at Ives Grove Golf Course, where he helped maintain the course.
David was a faithful member of Racine Bible Church, where he dedicated his time and talents to serving his church family. He volunteered in numerous ways, including ushering, singing in the choir, and offering help to beautify the church inside and out wherever it was needed. His heart for service extended beyond the church, as he spent the past five years traveling to Tennessee to support his brother-in-law’s food bank ministry, helping provide for those in need in the community.
David was an avid coin collector and enjoyed wood whittling, woodworking, and furniture refinishing and repair projects. A skilled handyman, he was always willing to share his talents and offer help to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone in need. He was also a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers.
David will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his loving wife, Sally Kuiper; his daughter, Candace (Randy) Wood, and their children, Cooper Wood and Tessa Wood; his daughter, Valerie (Jim) Svoboda and their children, Jackson Svoboda and Hannah Svoboda; Sally’s daughter, Dawn (Grant) Tucker and their children, Tyler Jones and Kaylee Jones; Sally’s son, Shaun (Stacia) Appenzeller, and their children, Dillon Appenzeller and Fayth Appenzeller; his great-granddaughter, Emmie Appenzeller; his siblings, Don (Gene) Kuiper, Robert Kuiper, and Carrie (Keith) Pobanz; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his former wife of 49 years, Kathleen Kuiper (née Shellberg).
A Celebration of David’s Life will be held at Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring Street, Sturtevant, WI 53177, on Monday, June 8, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the ceremony at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Mound Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly ask that memorial donations be made to Racine Bible Church Ministries or Alistair Begg’s Truth for Life Ministries, https://www.truthforlife.org/.
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