Dorothy Esther Tuinstra

Dorothy Esther Tuinstra, age 92, of Racine passed away on March 21, 2016 at Ridgewood Care Center. Dorothy was born on December 2, 1923 to Albert and Grace (nee Peachey) Kwakkel in Waupun Wisconsin. She was united in marriage to Floyd Tuinstra in Racine on June 7, 1946. He preceded her in death on September 19, 2011. She worked in the planning office at Young Radiator from 1944-1947. Dorothy also worked at the Franksville Post Office as a clerk from 1966 until her retirement on November 24, 1986. Dorothy was a member of Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. After retiring, Floyd and Dorothy moved to Eustis, Florida where they lived for 19 years. They regularly attended St. Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, FL. Dorothy was a Sunday School teacher, a deaconess, a member of the Ladies’ Missionary Society, American Missions Board, choir, Christian Women’s Association and the Franksville Homemakers. Dorothy is survived by her beloved children: a daughter, Patricia Irwin (Ernest Wilhelm) of Menasha, WI; sons: Warren (Karen) Tuinstra and Vernon (Shirley) Tuinstra, both of Racine; very dear grandchildren: Molly Irwin Fortuna (Francis) of Minneapolis, MN, Brian (Holly) Tuinstra, Jamie (Lori) Tuinstra of Racine, Andy (Julie) Tuinstra of Claypool, IN, Cindy (Michael) Presley of Elkhart, IN, and Vernon Tuinstra II of Kenosha; very dear great-grandchildren: Hannah, Brooke, and Erin Tuinstra, Jordan and Carly Tuinstra of Racine, Morgan and Max Tuinstra of Claypool, IN, Brayden, Austin, and Mikayla Presley of Elkhart, IN, and Mason and Ryland Tuinstra of Kenosha. Dorothy is also survived by her dear brother, Ken (Phyl) Kwakkel and sister-in-law Viola Kwakkel of Waupun; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lorraine (Maurie) Loomans of Cincinnati, Marci (Clarence) Kuiper of Franksville, Shirley (Don) Verdoorn of Rochester, MN, Helen Tuinstra of East Lansing, MI, and Bethel Tuinstra of Racine; Len Peacock of Delavan, WI. She is further survived by beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; parents, Albert and Grace Kwakkel, brother, Len Kwakkel of Waupun; sisters-in-law Ruth Peacock of Delevan, Evelyn Nedervelt, brother-in-law, Ken Nedervelt of Kalamazoo, Michigan, brothers-in-law Don and Ralph Tuinstra, and niece, Kim Tuinstra of Racine. A visitation will be held for Dorothy on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Memorial Church (4001 Washington Ave, Racine). A funeral service will be held following the visitation at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Nathan James officiating. Interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to the Missionary Society of Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Ave, Racine, WI 53405. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralhomeracine.com . The family wishes to thank the wonderful, caring staff of Ridgewood Care Center for the compassion shown to Dorothy.

Dorothy Esther Tuinstra

December 2, 1923 - March 21, 2016