Obituary of John (Dirk Jan) Boonstra

John passed away peacefully at Stratford General Hospital on February 1, 2025 in his 75th year.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan (nee Drinkwalter), his children Leanne Keeler, Barb Lingelbach, Tina  (Shawn) Spence and Derek (Rachael) Boonstra; grandchildren Eric and Jordan (Cassandra), Brooke (Trevor) and Abbey (Matt), Kyle, Lucas (Bea) and Samantha, Nicole (Gord), Max (Kate), Mason (Laura), Michael, Jordan, Declan, Cainan and his great grandchildren Clara, Myles, Natalie, Quinn, Grayson and Hallie. He is survived by siblings Frank Boonstra (Connie), Mary Rose Stanchuk (Bud), Peter Boonstra (Jane) and brother-in-law Larry Radko. John is predeceased by his parents Otto and Petronella Boonstra, his in-laws Lloyd and Frances Drinkwalter, sister Anne Marie Radko and sons-in-law Gary Lingelbach and Steve Keeler.

John was a mechanic for most of his life. You could find him tinkering in the garage fixing cars or working on his next project. He loved to fish in his spare time and hang out with family and friends. John loved visiting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren and sneaking treats to all his four-legged friends.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, 769 Queen St E, St. Marys, on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 from 1 – 3 pm.

Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or the ALS Society.