Hendrik "Rik" E. Tuinstra

Hendrik Ekke "Rik" Tuinstra, age 65 of Midland, died of a sudden heart attack on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

Rik was a scientist, golfer, gamer, coach, curler, traveler, friend and above all else a beloved husband, dad, and Opa. He was born April 24, 1948 to the late Hendrik E. and Fernanda (Stonner) Tuinstra in Long Island, New York. Rik spent the majority of his childhood in Southern California and received his Bachelor of Science from California State University-Long Beach. As a young adult he served in the U.S. Navy onboard the USS Hawkins. On December 21, 1974 he married Jan and they lived in California before relocating to Madison, Wisconsin in 1975. There he became the proud father of twin girls in 1976 and received his Doctorate in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1978. Employment lured him and his family to Midland where he was a Scientist at Dow Chemical for 31 years, retiring in 2009.

Rik is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jan; daughters, Maddy (Brian) Covelli of Madison, WI and Tara (Ben) Evans of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Rocco and Alex Covelli and Oscar and Eleanor Evans; brother, Christopher Tuinstra of Grand Rapids; sisters, Ann (Dan) Jones of Grand Rapids and Sherry (Steve) Adams of Corona, California; brother in law, Ken Phillippe of Stanton, CA; sister in law, Jeanette (John) Blanks of Long Beach, CA; and mother in law, JoAnn Pressley of Long Beach, CA.

A Gathering Time to commemorate Rik's life will be held from 1-4 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home where those wishing will have an opportunity to share memories.
Rik was passionate about donating blood. At the time of his twin daughters' birth, Jan's life was saved by several blood transfusions. In realizing the value of blood donations Rik has donated 21 gallons of blood to the Michigan Blood Bank. In honoring Rik's passion the family asks those considering memorials to donate blood.
Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com