Juanita F. Zeinstra, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017 surrounded by family.

 “For the Snark’s a peculiar creature, that won’t be caught in a commonplace way.  Do all that you know, and try all that you don’t, not a chance must be wasted to-day!” -L. Carroll was the inspiration behind Juanita’s life.  Juanita was first female in printed circuit board design, starting on a drafting board in 1957 at Lear Siegler, contracting throughout her career, and ultimately retiring from GE Avionics in 1998 as head of packaging and design.  Her professional accomplishments were numerous, but family took priority.  She and her husband Hank taught Cris and Michael old-fashioned family values – “please” and “thank you”, the value of hard work, honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and commitment, the wisdom to think through choices, the courage to try anything, the perseverance to work through challenges and adversity.  

Juanita and Hank opened their hearts and homes to Cris’s and Mike’s friends, including them in nightly family dinners or cottage weekends.  Juanita loved ballroom dancing and would break out into an impromptu cha-cha often to the embarrassment of her children.  Once she convinced Hank to square dance, they spent many nights dancing until late in the evening.  Juanita’s family wasn’t complete without a dog, but it wasn’t until Shadow, that a cat shared her life.  She and Hank shared a passion for all animals and they went on wildlife-centric vacations – standing on South Georgia Island among penguins, whale watching in the Bering Sea, photographing blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos island, and riding across the tundra in Churchill to see polar bears.  

Juanita was preceded in passing by her husband, Hank; and parents, Roy & Ann Brunson. She will be missed by her daughter, Cristine (Doug) Crew; son, Michael (Maria) Zeinstra; and three grand dogs, Titus, Farrah, and Jack.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the amazing caregivers at Porter Hills and Emmanuel Hospice. 

A committal service for both Juanita & Hank will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Juanita’s birthday, Monday, September 25th, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta. Following from 4:00-7:00 p.m. will be a celebration of Juanita’s life at Porter Hills Meeting Room, 3600 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the West Michigan Humane Society, Grand Traverse Conservancy, or a charity of your choice.