John Eugene Luinstra, 90, of Thousand Oaks, CA, passed away on September 8, 2023. He was born on February 24, 1933, in Choteau, Montana, to John Luinstra and Opal (Foster) Luinstra. His birth certificate was signed by Dr. Maynard (Bonna Lee’s grandfather).
John “Jack” was 9 when he lost his father to complications from Tuberculosis. In 1943, Opal Luinstra married Earl Hollar and together they raised Jack, his sister Joan, and their son Robert. They were loving proud parents until Earl’s death in 1974 and Opal’s death in 2002.
Jack married his childhood friend and high school sweetheart Bonna Lee Maynard in February of 1954 and they had two daughters together, Catherine and Christine. They were loving, devoted, and supportive parents.
Following his graduation from Choteau High School, Jack joined the United States Navy, where he was stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and served from 1951 to 1953. After leaving the Navy, Jack attended technical school where he earned his A & E Mechanic license and Jet Engine Mechanic license. In 1955, Jack was hired to work for Western Air Lines. In 1957, he was hired as a Flight Engineer and became a pilot in 1960. He became Captain on June 11, 1969.
Jack proudly flew for Western Airlines until they merged with Delta Airlines and he continued his career as a Delta Airlines captain. He retired as a Captain in February 1993 with his family on board his last flight. Flying was definitely his passion and he loved every minute of it. He always wanted his passengers to have the smoothest flight and landing.
Jack fully enjoyed his retirement with golfing, fishing, and traveling with Bonna Lee. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren telling stories that would make you laugh so hard you would cry, even when you heard the stories over and over. Jack shared his great sense of humor with all who knew him.
Jack is survived by his wife Bonna Lee, his daughters Catherine Ann Luinstra-Uster, and Christine Diane Gluzinski, sons-in-law Fred Uster and Mark Gluzinski, as well as his granddaughters, Samantha Gluzinski and Molly Gluzinski, and grandson, Matthew Uster. Jack is also survived by his sister, Joan Nipp, brother-in-law Ron Nipp, and niece Lorrie Tripp.
Memorial services to celebrate Jack’s life will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 10:00 a.m. and burial at 11:00 a.m. at Pierce Brothers ValleyOaks-Griffin, located at 5600 Lindero Canyon Rd, Westlake CA.
Family and friends are welcome to join the family at Jack and Bonna Lee’s home in Thousand Oaks (4084 Verde Vista Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360) for lunch and to share memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Lung Association or a Veteran’s Association
Note : Arrangements and service details are now available for WA/DL Capt. Jack Luinstra. The family has extended an invitation and is hoping that friends will join them on October 12th to celebrate Jack’s life. The family would appreciate your RSVP….please RSVP to daughter Catherine at catherine.luinstra@gmail.com or to Capt. Stan Franks at skanks@verizon.net
