Arie Luiten passed away at the age of 61 in his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
Arie was born on November 5, 1964 in Maassluis, the Netherlands. He spent his youth in the Westland region and realised at a young age that school wasn't for him so under the guidance of Johan he started making money in greenhouse construction, working for Jack Middelburg at the age of 12. Everything was arranged at the "Overstapje" in Naaldwijk.
After working in America for a number of years, he returned to the Netherlands and started his own greenhouse construction and screening company with his father Luiten and within a few years he was prepared to establish his own company in the USA. This was not easy because in addition to the business he also had to take care of "his everything", his daughter Melanie, all by himself.
Together with his best friend Johan, they shared 50 years of joy and sorrow in America—through work, holidays, races, casinos, cruises, and raising Melanie. They were often asked when they were going to get married, but when Stacey came into the picture the choice was easy. He married her in a heartbeat and shared their love and life together while lovingly caring for Melanie and Brandon.
Last year, Arie opened his new company building in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Naturally, it was celebrated with a big party for friends, colleagues, partners, and family. With his remarkable spirit, he extended the same warmth, respect, and generosity to his friends and colleagues that he shared with his family. It was no surprise that during the opening, he proudly spoke about his Dutch roots and the coffee machine in the new building. "I just want to be able to enjoy a nice cup of coffee together."
In their forever home, Stacey and Arie had planned to grow old together however that plan was cut short too soon.
Surviving Arie are his wife Stacey Luiten, daughter Melanie Luiten, stepson Brandon Nash, siblings Nico (Irmgard) Luiten, Richard (Carola) Luiten, Natasha (Gert) van Eijk-Luiten, nieces and nephews Dilano, Daniek, Chiem, Bodien, Nikita, Naomi, Gwen; and his long-time best friend Johan Beukel.
The farewell service will be held on Wednesday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Langeland, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo. You may leave a condolence message and follow the service via livestream at www.langelands.com.
