Netanja Thuynsma

Netanja (Kirstein) Thuynsma

live stream broadcast and an on demand recording of Netanja's service will be available here

Netanja (Kirstein) Thuynsma, born on February 6, 1978, ended her earthly journey to be present with the Lord, on Friday, February 28, 2025, following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Netanja's last days were filled with the loving presence of her family and friends, who surrounded her with tender love, and cared for her. We are grateful for the time we had to be present with her and say our goodbyes.

Netanja was the youngest of four children born to Cobus and Maria Kirstein in Pretoria, South Africa. She had an unmistakable love for Jesus and people from an early age. Following a career in ministry, training introduced Netanja to Pieter, her soulmate and the love of her life in December of 1997. They married on April 21, 2001, and two children, Tian and Abeah, were born. Both their birthdays were amongst Netanja's most treasured days. Netanja was a caring, hard-working, potential seeing, and forgiving mother and wife, who truly adored her family and cherished every possible moment to create beautiful memories and moments to treasure. She loved traveling with her family and exploring, waiting to see the sun rise in the east each morning and often devoted the time in prayer, before anyone else was awake.

Netanja and Pieter pursued a joint career in ministry and co-pastored congregations in South Africa and Stillwater, Minnesota. She loved children and children's ministry, caring for the elderly, reaching out to the needy, and joining or starting Moms In Prayer groups wherever possible. For Netanja, ministry meant living life authentically, and she touched and impacted countless lives with her joyful, positive, graceful, wise, insightful and peaceful presence and nature throughout her journey, for this she was and will ever be greatly loved.

Netanja didn't let life or illness get in the way of living; she showed unyielding bravery and strength in her battle against disease, rooting for her family, and fighting to be alongside Tian starting college, Abeah becoming a young lady, and Pieter transitioning to the next stages of life. We will carry Netanja in our hearts and continue our journey with strength, as she taught us, always explore and grow, and often remember her when we see the sunrise until we are joined with her in everlasting light.

Netanja, our beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and dear friend was preceded in death by her nephew; Divan Kirstein, her father; Cobus Kirstein, her sister-in-law; Liana Kirstein and her Grandparents Kirstein and Visser.

Netanja will be deeply missed by those who survive her: her Husband, Pieter Thuynsma; Children, Tian and Abeah Thuynsma, Mother, Anna Maria Kirstein; Siblings, Ian Kirstein, Dalena Kirstein-Kriel (Spouse Louis Kriel), Jaco Kirstein. Mother and Father in-law; Piet and Irene Thuynsma, Sister in-Law Tharina Nel (Spouse Stanley), Brother in-law Cobus Thuynsma, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.

The celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Bradshaw Funeral Chapel, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN 55082. Visitation will be held half an hour before the service (10:30 am -11:00 am), and the family will gather privately for interment.

Light refreshments will be served following.

Memorials to the family are preferred. You may make donations to the family by clicking here