Tim Idsinga

Timothy John Idsinga was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 12, 1952. He was the youngest son of Henry and Tina (Klynsma) Idsinga. Tim was raised in the family home on Walsh Street SE, along with his brothers, Ray and Don. His father worked as a mailman while his mother was a devoted homemaker. Sometimes his mother would hook him to a backyard clothesline so he could wander safely. The parents of the neighbor girl would do the same and they became “clothesline buddies”. When Tim was old enough to keep up with his brothers, the boys played in the shack that they built in their back yard. As they grew older, the brothers would go on outdoor adventures, with packed lunches, spending their days playing at Plaster Creek. Throughout Tim’s childhood, the Idsinga family celebrated holidays at church, gathering afterwards with relatives for a holiday meal. The Idsingas were members of Alger Heights Christian Reformed Church. Their family vacations were spent in the upper peninsula, Lake Superior, Burt Lake, and Chippewa Lake.

During his formative years, Tim attended Seymour Christian School, moving on to East Christian High School where he graduated in 1970. As a young man, Tim worked for Kroger Grocery Stores for a time. During his single years, Tim’s home was always open for friends to stay. He would jokingly refer to it as “The Hope Street home for Wayward Adults”.

Tim met his first wife, Maria, during those carefree times. He sold his house and moved with her to Santiago, Chile where she grew up. They traveled extensively during the year they spent in South America. When they returned to the States, he took a job as a social worker for Transitions. Tim’s family began to grow. Tim and Maria welcomed their daughter, Maria Amanda, into their lives on September 16, 1986. Their son, Robert Alan, arrived on February 16, 1988, seventeen months later. They also became foster parents to Sam Brandt. During this time, Tim decided to pursue a law degree, attending Cooley Law School in Lansing. After passing the bar exam, Tim spent twenty years working as an attorney for the Kent County Office of the Defender.

Later in life, Tim met Dorie Stulp, who became his life companion and wife. They were married at the Tropicana in Las Vegas on March 12, 1997. Their honeymoon was spent on the island of Bequia in the Grenadines. Tim and Dorie built their lives together, buying a home that could hold the kids when they came to stay on the weekends and during the summer.

Tim had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He went camping, canoeing and kayaking whenever he could. Brother Don accompanied Tim on many of these trips, often with a group of good friends. Whether they they were exploring Isle Royale, navigating the Boundary Waters, or spending time on Drummond Island, these trips provided Tim with some of his favorite memories.

Tim was a great storyteller and enjoyed a vigorous debate, particularly with his attorney friends. The funnier, the better. He loved parties, long, hot saunas, a steak on the grill, and campfires with family and friends. A game of Scrabble was always welcome. He and Dorie were avid gardeners, turning their backyard into a garden retreat amid the hustle and bustle of the city.

Most of all, Tim cherished his children. They were never far from his mind. When they were little, he enjoyed reading Shel Silverstein’s poems at bed time. He loved to watch their personalities grow and was very proud of the beautiful human beings that they had become.

Tim was a people person and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was thoughtful, funny and kind. Some of his prized possessions include his father’s paintings, his law degree, and his rock collection scattered through out the house and garden.

He was an example that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. His was a life well lived.

Timothy John Idsinga, 73, passed away at home peacefully March 8, 2026. Tim was born November 12, 1952 in Grand Rapids to the late Henry and Tina (Klynsma) Idsinga. He graduated from Cooley Law School and served in the Kent County Office of the Defenders. Prior to his career in law, Tim worked for Kroger and as a social worker for Transitions. On March 12, 1997, Tim married Dorie Stulp. His wife of 29 years survives, as does his children, Mandi Marino-Idsinga and Bob Marino-Idsinga; foster-son, Sam (Stephanie) Brandt and their children, Tim and Serena; brothers, Ray Idsinga and Don (Linda) Idsinga; brother-in-law, Joe (Zann) Stulp; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Tim’s best friend, Will Konyndyk and his loyal dog “Buddy”. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 10 AM.