Success!!

Well, my message on ancestry.com worked!  Today I got an email with an attachment of Kees Tuinman's funeral program.  I typed it all into google translate and here is what it said (not all in correct English, but understandable):

Kees was in his life caring for the children dutifully Mies and his surroundings. He is also enjoying life.  Interested to the wellbeing of others, he was always up for a good conversation and socializing with family and friends.  He could enjoy nature, forest, sea, beach and the sun.  As the sun was shining! With incredible will power, he yielded to succeed in life, able to overcome.

Just because he managed to enjoy life and had a cheerful,  humoristic impact. 53 years has Kees with Mies shared life and enjoyed by children and grandchildren.
In recent years begun the physical and mental limitations (which) may play a role. With much love and care has been at his side Mies
We are grateful that we, Mies, children and grandchildren, a dignified farewell were able to take. Kees, it will be very different now you're gone.

For your interest and sympathy after the death of my dear husband, our father, father and grandfather are proud we are sincerely grateful.

Mies Tuinman – van Bemmel

Rosalinde Tuinman en Martin Hurkens

Maaike – Jochem

Anne – Bas

Kees en Henriette Tuinman – Vermeulen

Rob – Nathalie

Michel

Louis

Breda, 31 december 2004

I am assuming that Mies was, of course, his wife, maiden name van Bemmel.  I guess that Rosalinde was their daughter, married to Martin Hurkens, with possibly four children, Maaike, Jochem, Anne and Bas.  Also a son named Kees married to Henriette,maiden named Vermeulen, with three children - Rob, Nathalie and Michel.  The last name on the list had an asterisk, but nothing to refer to.  Maybe it's a child who passed away or even a beloved pet?? 

I've found a Maaike Tuinman and a Henriette Tuinman on facebook and have sent messages to both.  Hopefully, one or both of them will be my relative.

This is particularly exciting for me because Kees is the first offspring of one of my grandfather's siblings - he was the child of Cornelius Tuinman and Agatha Speets.  He would have been my father's first cousin.  His children would likely be around my age and his grandchildren members of my children's generation. 

On another note, yesterday after I received the other email which led me to Kees' siblings, I continued to search the Archives for other "Tuinmans".  I came upon my great, great grandfather's baptism documents.  Seeing this kind of paperwork brings my ancestors to life for me.  Amazing!