Robert Kuiken

Robert Lee Kuiken, Jr., 64, of Princeton, KS died Tuesday June 1, 2021 at his home.

He was born August 25, 1956 in Garnett, KS the son of Robert Lee Kuiken, Sr. and Gurtha (Jordan) McCrea.  Robert grew up in the Richmond, KS area and graduated from Central Heights High School with the class of 1974. 

From 1974 to 1979, Robert proudly served his country in the United States Navy earning the rank of United States Navy achieving the rank of Boatswain’s Mate Petty Officer Second Class. 

Robert began his working career at managing a filling station in the early 1980’s before going to work for Wheeling Steel, manufacturing corrugated siding and roofing.  He later worked for Kissinger Construction constructing bridges and then for ten years he was a dump truck driver for Franklin County.  He eventually began working for Ottawa University in grounds and maintenance until his retirement in 2018.

Robert loved his garden.  He spent many summer hours tending to his tomatoes and various produce.  He also raised peacocks and other poultry through his years. Robert was always ready to take his Harley for a ride.  The time on the road always made his feel a sense of peace.  He was an avid pool player and enjoyed several hours of playing with his son.  His pug dogs were his companions and he was always spoiling them.  Robert also loved auctions and he was always wheeling and dealing something.

On December 26, 1976 Robert was united in marriage to Marlene Kirkland and the Princeton Christian Church, Princeton, KS.  They later divorced.

Robert is preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by a son, R.D. Kuiken and his wife, Hollie, Ottawa, KS; mother Gurtha McCrea and her husband Jim, Ottawa, KS;  four sisters, Lea Lyman, Ottawa, KS, Kathi DeVoe and her husband, tom, Garnett, KS, Lori Jones and her husband, Jimmie, Ottawa, KS, Kaye Buis, Illinois; four grandchildren, Addison  Kuiken, Kaegan Kuiken, Tatum Kuiken, and Judson Kuiken; and many nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Robert Kuiken Memorial Fund sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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