Marvin “Big Marv” Kuiper, 66, passed away after a tragic auto accident on Oct. 14, 2016.

“Big Marv” was born Sept. 1, 1950, and grew up in Hollandale, Minnesota, and graduated from high school in Albert Lea, Minnesota, in 1968 thanks to his twin sister Marlys. He fell in love with Lois Ann Dennis in the summer of 1967 at the drive inn in Maple Island, Minnesota, and married the first time in April 1971. They divorced in May 1975 and were reunited in marriage in May 1979 at the “Theater” in Austin, Minnesota.

In October 1971, they had their daughter Shelly who was his pride and joy only to be matched by the birth of their only granddaughter, Rachel, AKA “Bill,” on his birthday in 2012. His wife and his girls were the center of his world and everyone he met got to hear about it and see pictures whether they wanted to or not.

“Big Marv” worked construction in the Twin Cities for years before starting Kuiper Specialties Inc. in 1985. Since then he has helped so many realize their dreams and has built countless restaurants, commercial kitchens and substance abuse treatment centers across the state. He often said “How did I end up from the tractor seat to this?”

“Big Marv” was always the “Tie That Binds” with everyone he came in contact with and became instant friends or family with them all. The lives he has touched are countless and vast.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kort and Cornelia Kuiper of Hollandale, and his in-laws, John and Mildred Dennis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his adoring daughter, Shelly; and granddaughter, Rachel “Bill,” his shining star; siblings: Henry and Polly Kuiper, Gertrude and Jon Stout, Patricia and Virgil Harmdierks, his twin sister Marlys Heemsbergen, Irene and Donald Jones, and Ron and Diane Kuiper; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and adopted family and friends along the way.

Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 13, 2016, at the Mermaid Event Center at 2200 County Highway 10, Moundsview, Minnesota 55112 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. with eulogy at 3 p.m. and stories of him thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the needs of the family.