Jens N. Kuiper

Jens N. Kuiper, age 25, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.  Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Heritage Theater at the Watertown Event Center.  The service will be live-streamed via Zoom.  To join Zoom, the meeting ID and password are as followed:  Meeting ID:  869 8351 3186 Password:  761303

Visitation will be held at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Jens Nissen Kuiper was born June 3, 1999, to James and Paula Kuiper. He was the last of seven children. From a young age it was obvious Jens had a respect and love for life. April 22, 2012, at the age of 12, he dedicated his life in baptism to Jehovah and began a lifelong service to him. He strived to live by Bible principles and put God’s Kingdom first in everything. He even entered full time service from 2018-2019.

Jens graduated from Watertown High School in 2018 and began working with his family’s company, Kuiper Appliance Service. With the guidance of his brother Wyatt, he was able to become a full time technician and part owner. This allowed him to get to know those in the community while providing for his family.

On October 10, 2020, he married his best friend and love of his life, Koral Kagerer. Together they have two dogs, Maliboo and Pedal, who they view as their children. Later, adding a kitten to the family.

Jens was an avid cyclist. He took any chance he got to ride his beloved bikes outside. The hotter the weather the better. He became very fond of his razor sharp “cyclist tan”. Jens had a passion for music, playing in jazz band in school as well as playing drums in his free time. He had an extensive music catalog and was always eager to break down and share the meaning behind a song. He also enjoyed any opportunity to explore out in creation with his family.

In March of 2023 he was diagnosed with a severe spinal arthritis that made daily activities harder to accomplish. Although in pain most days, he didn’t allow this to slow him down. In August of the same year, he was diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Despite the prognosis, Jens was determined to live. He began treatments immediately and continued treatment until the end. Treatments were incredibly hard on him but he never gave up. He strived to give Jehovah his best and kept looking to his hope of the future. He continued serving in the congregation and lending a hand whenever possible. Jens became an example to many.

On January 30, 2025 Jens passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife and surrounded by his closest family and friends. He has left a large hole in our hearts but his family shares in his hope of a paradise on earth where he will soon be resurrected. We long for that day to come soon.

Jens is survived by his wife, Koral Kuiper; mother, Paula Kuiper; siblings, Crystal Widmar, Summer Labbe and her husband Jason, Heidi Artibee and her husband Alexander, Wyatt Kuiper and his wife Jabiel, Jasminn Barthlow and her husband Jonathan; nieces Eliana, Emma, Avonlea, Rhealyn; nephews Jameson, Isaiah, Kouper; sister-in-law, Skylar Gonzalez and her husband Grant; brother-in-law, Triston Kagerer; and mother-in-law Brandy Kagerer.

Jens was preceded in death by his father, James Kuiper; sister Pastel Kuiper; and father-in-law David Kagerer.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.

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