George Kuker

George L. Kuker, age 100, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Michigan Veterans Home in Grand Rapids, where he spent his final years under the compassionate care of dedicated staff members. He was born in Holland, Michigan on March 15, 1925, the son of Henry and Freida (Hildebrand) Kuker. George’s love for flying started at the early age of 11. He did chores on the farm in Holland, MI to earn a quarter for rides on an airplane out of Tulip City Airport in Holland, MI. George proudly served his country in the Air Force Division of the US Army from June 1943 to December 1945, where he learned to fly and became an instructor. After leaving the Army, he obtained his commercial pilot’s license and instructor’s license from the Tulip City Airport, teaching numerous Hope College students how to fly. He began his career working for American Boxboard and later served as Chief Pilot for Transnational Motors/Great Lakes Mazda, a company founded by Peter Cook and Robert Hooker. George retired at the age of 65 after years of flying executives of Mazda Great Lakes across the country. George and his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan, purchased a home on Bill’s Lake in Newaygo, where they spent many joyful years meeting new friends and enjoying the lake. Joan preceded George in death in November 2007. He is survived by his three children - Sally and Robert Doran of Grandville, Sandra Kuker-Franco and Pablo Franco of Palm Springs, and Timothy and Tracy Kuker of Newaygo. George is also survived by his grandchildren - Brad and Angelica Kuker, Nicholas and Elizabeth Kuker, Kelley Mattice, and Devin and Elizabeth Doran. Additionally, he is survived by 10 great-grandchildren - Nick Kuker’s sons William & Weston; Brad Kuker’s children Giovanni, Killian & Asher; Kelley Mattice’s children, Cassidy Millenbach, Avery (Millenbach) & Eric Champion, and Ryan Mattice; and Devin Doran’s children, Brayden Doran and MacKenzie Doran. George’s infectious personality touched the lives of many friends, and he cherished his entire family, who will deeply miss him. He often spoke of reuniting with his beloved wife in heaven. At George’s request there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life with family and friends will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Michigan Veteran Home of Grand Rapids, 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or click the link below to donate online. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign George’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Kuker, please visit our flower store.