Mark Tuinstra

Taken from his loved ones too soon, Mark Tuinstra was a blessing in the lives of countless others. He was the sort of person who didn’t worry about what others thought, and he wasn’t afraid to do things his own way. Mark’s family was his greatest treasure, and it was when he was with his wife and children that he was truly happy. He was a man of faith whose moral principles guided his steps, his journey an inspiration to all who knew him. Mark was generous in numerous ways, but he was content to be behind the scenes, never looking for recognition and willing to lend a hand with no strings attached. Life will never be the same without him here, but the memories he leaves behind will never be forgotten.

The year 1956 was filled with great joy for a young family from Martin, Michigan, as they announced the birth of a baby boy on May 20th. Mark certainly made his mark in the world around him when he made his arrival in a '53 Chevy between Martin and Allegan. He was the fifth of six children born to his parents, Bert and Rensena (Hamstra) Tuinstra, and he was raised in the small community of Martin alongside his older siblings, Henry, Gerrit, John, and James, and his younger sister, Miriam. Mark’s father owned a junkyard. It was here that Mark and his brothers got their hands on experience that laid the groundwork for their Tuinstra ingenuity. He had plenty of opportunities to figure out how things work, which led him to be able to fix anything and everything. Mark’s mother focused her attention on her bustling clan. He attended East Martin Grade School and Kalamazoo Christian High School.

After graduating from high school in 1974, Mark began his driving career. Mark had several driving jobs around the area over the years. In 1992 he took a job driving for Schupan and Sons metal recycling where he remained for the rest of his life. Mark enjoyed his work there, and his coworkers were like a second family to him.

Life was forever changed for Mark when he met the woman who would always hold the key to his heart. Her name was Kathy and they began as friends, but their relationship blossomed into something more. With a desire to establish a life together, Mark and Kathy were married on August 20, 1983, at the East Martin Christian Reformed Church. The newlyweds settled into a home in Plainwell where they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Adam, Jarrod, and Justin.

As his friends and family can attest, Mark was always busy doing something he enjoyed whether it was boating, spending many hours on the lake with his family, or riding his motorcycle. He had an appreciation for mountains and open country and took some amazing road trips. Mark thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and made friends wherever he went. He has been described as an idea man who always had numerous projects in the works. Although not an expert, Mark knew how to weld, hammer, and fix whatever it was. He spent hours on end in his barn with the music cranked up - just ask his neighbors! Gospel, classic country and bluegrass were among some of the different kinds of music that Mark enjoyed. He was a master of grilling. and even designed and built numerous cookers to satisfy his many desires.

Throughout his life Mark’s faith was the cornerstone. He was raised in a strong Christian household. Once married his family attended East Martin Christian Reformed Church. For the past nine years he had been a baptized member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. Mark was eager to volunteer and serve in a variety of ways. His strong faith was evident to all by the way he lived his life.

All who knew Mark Tuinstra would agree that he was one of a kind. He was outgoing and had his own way about him with a fun-loving personality. It comes as no surprise that kids were naturally drawn to Mark, and he was always looking for a way to make those around him smile or laugh. His timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by all those whose lives he touched.

Mark Tuinstra, of Plainwell, was taken to glory on September 17, 2013, at Bronson Methodist Hospital as a result of a motorcycle accident. Mark’s family includes his wife, Kathy; children: Adam, Jarrod, Justin; siblings: Henry (Nancy) Tuinstra, Gerrit (Cheryl) Tuinstra, John Tuinstra, James (Donna) Tuinstra, Miriam (Ron) VanVolkinburg; mother, Rensena Tuinstra, mother-in-law, Betty Brown, and numerous in-laws. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Bert Tuinstra and father-in-law Roger Brown. Visit with family and friends on Sunday, September 22 from 2:00 to 8:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 23 at 11:00 at Lighthouse Baptist Church; 12220 Cressey Rd. Plainwell (664-3229). A memorial motorcycle processions to East Martin Cemetery will follow. Memorial contributions can be made to the Bus Ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church or Christian Neighbors Food Pantry. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the amazing staff in the Trauma Care Unit at Bronson. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.