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Peter Tuitel Jr.

05/19/1966
04/24/2021

Peter Tuitel Jr, age 54 from Byron Center, MI was called home unexpectedly on April 24, 2021.  Pete was born in Grand Rapids, MI on May 19, 1966. The son of Pieter and Maria, who emigrated to the US from the Netherlands a few years earlier.

Pete grew up in East Grand Rapids and attended Breton Downs Elementary, East Middle School, and East Grand Rapids High School, where he graduated in 1984. Pete loved playing football and was a proud member of the East Grand Rapids Varsity football team that won the 1983 State Championship, held at the Detroit Silverdome.

Pete served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne for four years where he earned the Army service ribbon, Army lapel pin, National defense service medal, rifle expert badge, parachute badge, hand grenade expert badge, Army good conduct medal, expert infantry badge, jungle expert badge and Army achievement medal.  He was part of the Gulf War during Operation Golden Pheasant as well as Operation Just Cause.

Following his active duty in the Army, Pete was a driver for UPS in Grand Rapids, where he was highly regarded by his peers and his customers. Everyone on his delivery route knew him and loved him. He made everyone feel important by always going the extra mile and treating each person with respect, putting their needs above his.

Pete had a successful career in the construction industry where he held many different high-profile roles, representing pre-manufactured steel building manufacturers. Most recently, Pete was the sales manager for Falk Panel, a Dutch company that recently opened its first manufacturing facility in the United States. Pete was especially proud of this role because of his family ties to the Netherlands. Pete worked with construction companies from all over the Midwest and was highly regarded for his attention to detail and incredible customer service.

Pete’s personality, positive attitude, quick humor, and willingness to serve was unwavering. If you needed Pete, he was there, committed, focused, hard-working, and having fun! Pete exuded life and was not afraid to be himself. He was confident and humble, proud and respectful. Pete was a reliable and appreciative son and brother.  He was a devoted and loving husband, he was a strong but sensitive, caring and supportive father.  He was a friend that loved unconditionally. Pete will be missed by so many people fortunate enough to have known him.  He impacted so many lives and will continue to live through everyone he so dearly loved.

Pete is survived by his wife of 23 years Angie, his first wife Marcia, his four daughters Ashley Tuitel, Morgan Tuitel, Lexi Tuitel and Maria (Dj) Ferguson.  His father Pieter Tuitel Sr and mother Maria Tuitel, Father and mother-in-law Buddy Newcomb, Sandy & Mike Wildbahn.  Brothers Johnnie Tuitel and Donald (Amy) Tuitel, sisters Corry (Derrick) Volchoff and Elsa (Chuck) King.  One grandson (Finley) due June 3rd. Brothers and sisters-in-law Ben (Jennifer) Newcomb, Chrissy (Jimmy) Hogle and Bobbi (Josh) Dykstra.  Nephews Tristan, Brendan, Chaz, Nick, Jared, Pj and Joel.  Nieces Brianna, Jenna, Maggie, Helen and Fizzy. Aunts Annie VanVliet, Annie Schuivens, Gre Robbemond and Stein VanLoenen.  Uncle Fred (Margaret) Tuitel.

Pete was loved by many near and far including special friends in Arizona and Iowa.  Pete was a member of the Grand Rapids Harley Owners Group where he also had many friends.  Anywhere Pete was, he was engaged and involved, from his immediate neighborhood where he was the “guy” to help fix, work, and engage with everyone, to his community where he was actively involved in school and sport functions, and his faith community at Center Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Angie Tuitel care of O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Private services were held for immediate family.  A celebration of life will be held at Douglas Walker Park in Byron Center.  Here is a link to the details that will be continually updated as we gather more information: https://fb.me/e/xhbkLMaq

Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions

Made to Angie Tuitel

Care Of

O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home

3980 Cascade Rd. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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30 Responses

  1. I am so very sorry to hear this news. Please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.

  2. Angie & family. Our hearts are heavy. Pete was a special person who always had a smile on his face that we will never forget. May you find comfort in the memories you shared. God Bless.

  3. Dearest Angie and Family. Our many prayers and love are extended to each of you. There are no adequate words… other than we love you. May you feel those prayers as God wraps you in his loving arms and carries you through this horrific storm. Sincerely, Wayne, Charlotte and Victoria Wood; and Aunt Betty Davis

  4. Lieve familie.
    Een bericht wat je niet wilt en kunt geloven
    Er zijn geen woorden om dit verlies te kunnen verwerken.
    Een man en familie die wij alleen van foto s en verhalen van zijn vader en moeder kennen maar doet toch veel vedriet.
    Veel sterkte aan een ieder die hem lief had

    Fred Tuitel
    Cathy
    Kinderen en kleinkinderen

  5. What a wonderful tribute to a life well lived. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

    Dean and Donna Hosfield

  6. My prayers are with all Pete’s family and friends. I only met Pete once, at this year’s Super Bowl party, but he left a lasting impression on me. His smile could light a room and he exuded a genuine joy. I’m thankful I had the opportunity to meet him. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

  7. Your friends at Harley will miss you! You always had a smile on your face and were so caring and fun-loving. You and Angie had a special kind of love for each other. Prayers to Angie and family. God speed, Pete…we will miss you❤️

  8. Angie & Girls please know you are all in our thought & prayer during this most difficult time. Pete was an incredible husband & father. All that knew him loved his kindness, wit, & how he cared so deeply for his family & friends. We still talk & laugh about his Bulldog barking during the girls cheer meets. His memories will always be with you. Love & Hugs

  9. So very sorry for your families loss. May God be with all of you to hold your hands and hearts at this sad time in your lives. May my prayers be with you all!

  10. I send my love to the Tuitel family. I remember visiting the family as a child, with my parents, Gerry and Dia ter Haar. I remember what a bright light Pete was. May God bless your wonderful family and comfort you in this time.

  11. Words can not express my sadness for your loss. Please know my thoughts are with all Pete’s family.

  12. Pete will always be apart of our circle of friends and although high school was many years ago I sometimes feel it was like yesterday. My thoughts and prayers for my friend Don and his whole family.

  13. Pete I miss you and the talks we had About everything and nothing you was a true friend that did not judge anyone and a friend to everyone .
    Angie , Pete loved you with everything he was Heart body and sole
    I know he is in a pain free
    Words can not say what Pete meant to me and everyone he can into contact with . Thank you Pete for being you what a blessing
    Angie if there is anything I can do please just let me know I am here for you and your family
    we Love and Miss you Pete

  14. Sending our heartfelt condolences and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you all through the days ahead. May the lord bless and comfort you all.

    We are forever grateful to the Tuitlel family for the love and support so unselfishly given for my sister Janice McCoin so many years ago.

    With Love
    Cherilyn (McCoin) VanderHorn
    Marilyn McCoin

  15. I am so sorry to hear the news. Pete was a great man and someone I considered more than just a co-worker. I considered him a great friend. He will be missed. We will be praying for you guys

  16. You are already missed my friend. I learned so much working with you and i am thankful that we were good friends! My prayers of peace and comfort for the whole family!

  17. Such a beautiful remembrance. I am so sorry for your loss. The entire Tuitel family is in my thoughts .

  18. We only met once. What a great guy. Must be missed terribly.
    Sorry for your loss.

  19. He was one in a million
    The impact that Pete and the entire Tuitel Family had on my life is still with me to this day.
    I love you all so very much, may God give you Peace.

  20. I heard about Pete loss and would like to extend my condolences for his next of kin. We are going to miss Pete as a friendly colleague from Falk Panel. God bless his wife, daughters, family and friends. He gives you power and He’s always with you.
    From the Nederlands,
    Arend Hardeman
    Shareholder from Falk Panel

  21. I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not take the pain away that you must be feeling but please know you are in my prayers. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to get to know him. He always make the Griffins games fun. I will never forget his response to every hooking call. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to attend the celebration of his life. I will be out of town for my nephews wedding. Know that prayer for peace are being sent daily .

  22. Dear Tuitel Family,

    So sorry to hear about your loss! Pete had such an impact on many people including his colleagues at FALK. I had the honor of working with Pete during the last ten months. He always had a story to tell during lunch, was in for a joke and above all made sure that everyone was included and appreciated. A true connecting and driving force within the team. He will be deeply missed!

    Thank you, Pete!

  23. I only knew Pete for the last 4 years or so, as we were both Grand Rapids griffins Season Ticket Holders. We casually struck up a conversation while in line at the concession stand, and we would exchange pleasantries almost every game after that. We became FB friends, and through his FB page I was very impressed with his devotion to his family, his hobbies, his fast cars and motorcycles, but most of all, his faith in God. Though we didn’t have a chance to be close friends, I cherished the fact that we became friends. God’s blessings to all that had the good fortune as I did to get to know Pete, and my deepest sympathies to Angie and his family. We will meet again Pete! Our great God promises this!

  24. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. Fond memories of the years we shared at Jordan Creek UMC in Iowa. Sending Hugs and prayers and lots of love.

  25. A beautiful tribute and remembrance. Clearly, Pete impacted so many lives in such wonderful ways. Wishing your family comfort and peace.

  26. We have not met Pete in real life unfortunatley, but we know him as a pleasant personallity. We feel very sorry about Pete passing away. We wish Pete’s family and friends strength en God’s blessings!

    Team Fastenerpoint

  27. I’m sorry to hear about Pete’s sudden passing.
    Wish the family much strength in this loss, and may God support you!

    From Holland,
    Cornelis Bouw | FALK Bouwsystemen

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Make a Contribution

Memorial Contributions

Made to Angie Tuitel

Care Of

O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home

3980 Cascade Rd. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546