Richard Lee Tuinstra

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Richard Lee Tuinstra, age 77, a devoted Christian man whose life was marked by faith, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family. Surrounded by those he loved most, he entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to bless generations.

For 56 beautiful years, he shared a rare and steadfast love with his soulmate and beloved wife, Joann. Their marriage was a testament to commitment, sacrifice, and God’s grace—an enduring partnership built on prayer, laughter, and deep friendship. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, strength, and the kind of love that made everyone around them feel welcome.

Richard was a loving father who cherished his four children: Brent (Ellen) Tuinstra, Scott (Anne) Tuinstra, Deborah (Jon) Vanderlaan, and Ashlea (Paul) Roussey. He led not only with words, but through quiet example—showing what it meant to live with integrity, work hard, forgive freely, and trust God through every season of life. His presence was steady, his counsel wise, and his love constant.

As a grandfather to 11 grandchildren—Cameron, Avery, Isaac, Ian, Kayla, Brayden, Liam, Addison, Landon, Elise, and Case—he found immense joy in each one. He celebrated their lives with pride and tenderness, always ready with a smile, a joke, a story, or a gentle hand on the shoulder. You could often find him on the sidelines of their sporting events, racing them on sleds down the driveway at “the house on the hill," untangling their fishing lines, pulling them on tubes behind the boat, competing in Mario Kart and making them his famous French toast. His love was personal and deep, and each grandchild knew they were truly treasured by him.

Above all, Richard’s life was anchored in faith. He loved Jesus and lived his life as a servant—choosing kindness, humility, and generosity. He believed in the power of prayer, the strength of family, and the promise of eternal life. While his absence leaves a profound ache, those who loved him find comfort in knowing he has been welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored by his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him. His legacy is one of faith, love for his family, and steadfast devotion—a life well lived, and a soul now at peace.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters: Robert Tuinstra, Mary (Richard) Rhew, Patricia (Greg) Potter, Donald (Tamara) Tuinstra, Edward (Rebecca) Tuinstra, and Carol (Thomas) Cecil. He was adored by many nieces and nephews and is also survived by his Kentucky family including Roger and Sandy Thompson, John Krantz. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Ilene Tuinstra; sister, Sue Tuinstra; and sister-in-law, Sandy Tuinstra.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Byron Center Bible Church, 8855 Byron Center Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with one hour of visitation prior to service beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his memory through prayer, acts of kindness, or a donation to:

Hangar Youth Center

2456 84th St. SW

Donations: PO Box 232

Byron Center, MI 49315