Harry Tuinstra

Harry “Bud” Tuinstra, age 94, of Neshkoro, WI, formerly of Racine, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. He was born on September 30, 1926, in Raymond, WI, a son of Harry and Cornelia (Heusdens) Tuinstra. 

Harry proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII. On February 16, 1947, he married Betty Bjork at the Drummond Lutheran Church. They shared 62 years of marriage before Betty’s passing on September 26, 2009.

Harry was a retired Police Sergeant from Racine. He was a dedicated veteran and belonged to veteran organizations, holding leadership positions. He was a member of the Military Order of the Cooties, Pup Tent W10892. Harry was also a Gold Star Dad. He was a supporter of the Boy Scouts and volunteered for Troop 400 in Racine and other Troops in Neshkoro.   

Harry loved being outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved nature and gardening. He enjoyed trap shooting and was a member of the Wautoma Gun Club. 

Harry was a story teller and had many stories from his life experiences that he shared with family and friends. He had many one liners that always made his grandchildren laugh. His most memorable was “no bread and one meatball” or do you want “plain, vanilla or white ice cream.”

Those Harry leaves behind to cherish his memory include his 4 children, David (Karen) Tuinstra of Neshkoro, Therese (Dale Arnold) Tuinstra Blunck of Neshkoro, Scott (Jane) Tuinstra of Wautoma, Valerie (Larry) Stalsberg of Neshkoro; many grandchildren and great grandchildren;1great great granddaughter; sister, Barbara (Norman) Emick of Racine; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Cornelia Tuinstra; his wife, Betty Tuinstra; son, PFC Dennis Tuinstra in Vietnam; daughter, Shelly Marie; brothers and sisters.

A funeral service for Harry “Bud” Tuinstra will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Lutheran Church, 202 S. Farmer St., in Princeton. Pastor Allen Behnke will officiate. Harry will be laid to rest with full military honors following the service in the Princeton City Cemetery. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Harry with his family. 

Harry’s family would like extend a sincere thank you to his aides, Dawn and Lynne for their dedication to Harry and always caring for him with kindness and passion and also to Heartland Home Hospice for their support and guidance.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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