Dean Robert Boonstra, age 72, born March 4, 1949, in Zeeland, MI to Melvin and Alice Boonstra, passed away on January 14, 2022. He is preceded in death by his brother Dennis Boonstra. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Breaux Boonstra, Brother Keith (Judy) Boonstra, Sisters Kay (Phil) Massaro, Judi (Slavo) Kolada, and Nancy (Dennis) Boonstra, daughters Mary (Bill) VanEenenaam and Mandie (Christian) Rich, son Bradford (Danger) Boonstra, numerous nieces and nephews, and grandchildren Aryanna, Myka, Koehn, Hazen, Alice, and Ruby.
He was a loving father, grandfather, and loyal friend, known for his authenticity, charm, and sense of humor. He loved his grandchildren and would light up whenever he got the chance to hold a new baby. He was brilliant, intensely curious, thought for himself, and challenged himself and his friends to find ways to be useful to others. He was not afraid to speak up for what he thought was right and defended others when they needed a friend. He was a devout believer and followed Jesus’ path, stepping up to help those who needed it, especially those he felt no one else would help.
Dean was a reader, a lover of words, and when he spoke you listened, not only because of the authority and earnestness in his voice, but also because he took so much care in how he spoke, what he said, and who he was speaking with. He was open-minded, loved people from all walks of life, was quick to offer a drink and chat, and even quicker to get to the heart of the matter, loving deep conversations and serious questions. Even in the dark moments he had a deep sense of humor, a lightness about him and his own tribulations, and could make you chuckle with wild stories that made it seem like he had lived in every place and had done everything life had to offer.
He will be remembered fondly by all those he loved, who loved him, and all those he helped along the way, and he will be very missed.
Dean will be laid to rest in Ridgeview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to GiveDirectly (givedirectly.org).
Arrangements by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland MI 49464.
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