Meet Judge Boonstra

Family, Education & Early Career

Early Life & Family

Mark was born in Muskegon, Michigan, into a family with deep Dutch American roots. He grew up alongside his older brother, Bob, and younger sister, Beth, in a humble environment, deeply influenced by his parents' values of hard work and perseverance.


Mark's maternal grandfather, Thomas Walhout, immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands at the age of 8, facing early challenges after his father passed away shortly after their arrival. Despite these difficulties, Thomas became a skilled carpenter, showcasing the resilience that would inspire Mark throughout his life. Mark's paternal grandparents also immigrated from the Netherlands, with family roots in the northern Dutch province of Friesland.


Mark's father, Bob Boonstra, served as a staff sergeant in the army during WWII, before working in various sales and factory jobs. He later taught himself accounting and worked as a controller for several companies. Mark's mother, Dorothy Boonstra, focused on raising Mark and his siblings, but also worked part-time to support the family.

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    • Education & Early Career

    Mark attended Muskegon Christian School and later Western Michigan Christian High School.  He went to Michigan State University (MSU), and graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1979. Mark was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at MSU, highlighting his academic achievements.


    After graduating from MSU, Mark attended the University of Michigan Law School in 1979, one of the top law schools in the country. Enrolled in a joint program with the graduate economics school, he completed both a J.D. and a Master of Arts in Applied Economics in four years.


    During law school, Mark worked at the Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office, followed by a summer at a law firm in Ann Arbor in 1981. In 1982, Mark was a summer associate at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, one of Michigan's premier law firms, located in Detroit.

    Family Background

    Mark and his wife, Martha, reside in Holland. They were married on Valentines day in 2009 and have been married for over 15 years.  Together they share 4 children and 5 grandchildren.

    Serving the Community

    Judge Boonstra has served with numerous civic organizations, including:

    • Chair of the Washtenaw Economic Club: 2004-2005
    • Board president of the Christian Montessori School of Ann Arbor: 2005-2010
    • Vice-Chair of State of Michigan Retirement Board: 2016-2019
    • Chair of the Michigan Judges Retirement Board: 2013-2016
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