Melvin Boonstra

Melvin Seymour Boonstra, age 99, of Zeeland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, September 11, 2016. Mel is survived by his children: Keith and Judy Boonstra of Holland, Kay and Philip Massaro of Phoenix, AZ, Dean and Becky Boonstra of Holland, Judi and Slavomir Kolada of Reno, NV; daughter-in-law Nancy Boonstra of Grand Haven; 13 grandchildren: Heather Boonstra and Amy Rutt, Derek and Tayler Boonstra, Holly Boonstra, Brian and Amy Boonstra, Susan and Richard Farmer, Christopher and Stephanie Kroodsma, Shayne and Yukon Tomisato, Travis and Minako Kroodsma, Mary and Bill Van Eenenaam, Mandie Boonstra, Bradford Boonstra, Eric and Moira Kolada, Kristen and Seth Caplan, and many great grandchildren; sister Lois and Clarence Ver Beek of Dyer, IN; in-laws: Janet Boonstra of Demotte, IN, and Laurina VanderAa of New Hampshire. Mel was preceded in death by his wife Alice (VanderAa) in 2000, and his son Dennis in 2012. He was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church. Mel proudly served his country in the Navy during WWII. Mel was an optimist and a ceaseless enthusiast for anything relating to family, church, friends, and community. He genuinely loved, and was loved by, everyone around him, and he was admired by all for his wisdom, his integrity, and his caring nature. He had a heart for a great number of community and charitable organizations, and he generously used his leadership skills to improve these organizations. Mel was born in Munster, Indiana, on September 25, 1916, during difficult, struggling times for his family. But already as a young man he had a strong desire to be involved in the business world. He started a couple of local poultry retail stores in the late 1930s before moving in 1946 to Michigan where he successively owned Home Fuel & Supply, a partnership in Trend Clocks, and finally Zeeland Wood Turning Works. He retired in 1985. In retirement, Mel motorhomed the country with his loving wife, Alice. Their hobby was searching for additions to their beautiful bell collection, and feeding Mel's 70-year fascination with collector cars. They travelled throughout the world, played thousands of rounds of golf, and spent countless warm times with their friends – both in Michigan and Florida. No matter where they went, they always made a very real and positive difference, and they are both dearly missed. Visitation will be 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m. Friday, September 16, 2016 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Third Christian Reformed Church, 10 West Central Avenue, Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Salvation Army or Calvin Theological Seminary.

Tributes

Melvin Boonstra

September 25, 1916 - September 11, 2016