William S. Tuinstra

TUINSTRA, William S. "Thank you Lord for saving my soul, Thank you Lord for making me whole, Thank you Lord for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free." A familiar song, short, clear and comforting.

William S. Tuinstra, age 85 went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, June 8, 2015. Bill was born in Heerenveen, Friesland, the Netherlands, oldest son of the late Simon and Grace (Fonk) Tuinstra. He received his basic education through high school in the Netherlands, after which he was drafted into the Dutch Army (1948-1950). In April 1950 he emigrated with his parents and five siblings to the USA. He was drafted into the US Army (1951-1953), took advantage of the GI Bill, and in 1957 received a civil engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He worked for the Arizona Highway Department for a few years, but the bulk of his career was with the Santa Fe Railway Company until his retirement.

In 1953, the lovely and talented Ada Ruth Postma crossed his path and in 1955 they were married in the Berean Church on Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids with Pastor Wayne Webb officiating. Between 1956 and 1969 they became the parents of Dwight (Joya), Penelope (Les), Dean (Jan), Cordelia (Anthony), and BonjAC. (Chase). At present there are 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

William was an active member in ASCE, ASCE Illinois, Road Masters and Bridge and Building, AREA, Lions International Service Club, Holland Genealogical Society, Zeeland Historical Museum, Zeeland Community Volunteer Soccer Coach. He loved to speed skate, ice skate, roller skate, roller blade, chess, puzzles of any kind, reading, playing the organ and piano, listening to pipe organs, and singing.

He was under controlled medical treatment for bone cancer pain at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, and died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 8, 2015.

Funeral services will be held Friday, 2 PM at Rush Creek Bible Church, 2334 76th St. SW, Byron Center. Interment will be at Winchester Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family Thursday from 4-6 PM at the Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center. His family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.

Visitation Thursday, June 11 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th Street Byron Center, MI

Funeral Service Friday, June 12 2:00 PM Rush Creek Bible Church 2334 76th Street SW Byron Center, MI