Donna Kuyper

Dates

Obituary

Donna Kuyper, 91, of Plankinton, SD, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, at Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, September 19, at Aurora Reformed Church in Aurora Center, SD, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Aurora Center Cemetery. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Donna Mae (Houtkooper) Kuyper was born on March 13, 1935, in rural Aurora County, South Dakota, to John and Alta (DeGeest) Houtkooper. Donna grew up and attended school in Corsica, South Dakota. She graduated high school in 1953.

Donna married the love of her life, Don Kuyper, on December 2, 1953, at Grace Reformed Church in Corsica, SD. Together, they shared nearly 70 years of marriage and built a beautiful life centered on family, faith, and friends. Seven children came from this loving marriage: David Lee, Douglas Gene, Daniel Wayne, Carson Edward, Dwight LaVern, Dawn LeAnne, and Darcy Dean.

Donna’s faith was the foundation of her life. She had a deep relationship with the Lord and was a longtime, devoted member of the Aurora Reformed Church. She served in many church ministries and women’s groups and shared her love of music as an organist, pianist, and choir director for many years.

Family was Donna’s greatest joy. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her home and kitchen table were always places where family and friends could share a meal, play cards, and make memories. She was passionate about family reunions and loved having generations of family together. Donna was incredibly proud of the life she and Don built together.

Donna raised her children, made a home, and created a place where family and friends could gather. She took great pride in caring for others. She was an excellent cook and baker - preparing countless home-cooked meals and desserts. She worked for many years as a certified nursing assistant at the nursing home in Corsica. Through her work, she developed a lasting love for caring for others and inspired that same love of nursing and service in her grandchildren.

Donna enjoyed sewing, stitching/patch work, and had an amazing talent for quilting. She also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite memories were made around the kitchen table. Donna and Don also shared a love for motorcycles. She rode her motorcycle until she was 81 years old. As members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, they enjoyed riding together and making memories on the road with family and friends.

Donna’s greatest legacy is the family she and Don built, and the faith, love, generosity, hard work, and unconditional love they passed on to them.

Donna is survived by her children, Daniel (Melanie) Kuyper, Carson Kuyper, Dwight (Julia) Kuyper, Dawn (Dan) Veurink, and Darcy Kuyper; daughter-in-law, Nonie Kuyper; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and sister Mavis Veurink.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don Kuyper; her parents, John and Alta Houtkooper; two sons, David and Douglas Kuyper; daughter-in-law, Karla Kuyper; one great-grandson; one brother; three sisters; and her parents-in-law.

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