Ted Luther Tuinstra
February 17, 2011
Ted Luther Tuinstra, 66, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2011. Visitation will be on Monday, February 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The funeral will be on Tuesday, February 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Southtown Baptist Church, 6001 SE 5th in Des Moines.
Ted was born on March 6, 1944, to Mary (Houghtaling) and Max Tuinstra in Des Moines, IA. Ted was born again as a believer in Jesus Christ. He graduated from East High School and was a member of the EHS Hall of Fame, Football All American, and a State Heavyweight Champion Wrestler. He was on Iowa State’s 1st National Championship team and a two-time All American Wrestler. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1967 and graduated from Drake University. He then taught in the Des Moines Independent School District and was a long-time employee of Polk County government. Ted was a well-known gospel singer, headlining such local venues as the Hoyt Sherman Place, The Civic Center, and hundreds of gospel church events including weddings and funerals. He sang the National Anthem at the I-Cubs games, ISU Wrestling tournaments and football games. His family had a gospel music group, “The Tuinstra's,” and toured extensively in the 70’s and the 80’s.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Ellen of 43 years; sons, Bonner and Berke; sister, Karen Tuinstra; brothers, Kenneth (Linda) and Kalvin (Janet); and many nephews and nieces. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mark, Van (Willy) and sister, Marilyn.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Jo Meeks
03/09/2011
Ellen, I am so sorry for your loss. Ted was a very special man and will be greatly missed. I was out of town that week and am so sorry I missed the visitation. Please send my regards to your whole family, Bonner and Burke. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all.....
Mary Jo Meeks
(Former CEO of Cornerstone CU, in case you don't remember)
Marilyn and Mike Foddrill
02/26/2011
My dearest Ellen....so terribly sorry to hear of Ted's death. Though we only met him once many years ago, I know you will miss him forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Ellen - it's hard to believe it been so long since we all worked together at Younkers. We left Des Moines twenty years ago but visit DSM often. Take care of yourself and know how very sorry we are for you.
Mike combs
02/24/2011
The world is a lot worse off today, with the great loss of this old friend. Ted helped me and my family out of some really tough times and I still thank him and his family, I will miss his wisdom and past comaraderie. I wept today when my son told me of his passing and could only share the stories of our times long ago with Ted and his family. Martin was saved in their chuch back in the 70's and has recently become an evangelist, doing a jail ministry and preaching God's word, alot of it because of people like Ted and his family. I will miss him sorley, Ted Tunstra will always be an important part of my short stay here on earth, But, I know he is with our LORD in Heaven looking down and smiling and singing GOD's Praises with that wonderful voice. Thanks Ted, MIke and Jeannie and Marty Combs
Martin Glup
02/24/2011
30 years ago Ted and his wife Ellen took me to Southtown Baptist church.I was just a little boy 10 years old.I received Christ Jesus as my Lord and Savior and also Baptized there.
Ted has always been in my memory and on my heart for these past 30 years.
Everytime I share my testamony,I tell about Ted- The giant who has a singing voice of 10,000 angels.I can close my eyes right now and see my wonderful friend standing up there singing his heart out for God.
I thank God for placing Ted in my life.And I thank God for using Ted to lead me to Christ.Most of all,I thank God that Ted answered to the tug on his heart from the Holy Spirit to ask this little boy if I'd like to go to church.
All my love in Christ Jesus goes out to all of Ted's family as they seperate from him for just a short time.
The Bible says-- That whosoever believeth in him(Jesus) should not perish,but have eternal life (John 3:15). So Ted hasn't died,he's dancing in GLORY with all the angels.He's with God Almighty his creator.
So I'll not say good-bye to Ted.But I will say,"see you in Glory my good friend".
Jack Wahr
02/23/2011
Sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Ted. I
will keep him, you and your family in my prayers. Jack
Sally (Larson) Gier
02/23/2011
Dear Ellen, Bonner and Berke: I was so sad to hear that Ted has died. You are in my prayers. I moved from Des Moines to California soon after High School. He was a friend of mine and in my class at East High School. Whoever got their folks' car on a Saturday would drive around and pick up the rest of the gang. Of course we would tool the loop and go to Opie's Pizza together. Pastor Nath is mailing his music to me and a copy of his Memorial service. I will NEVER forget him. He had one of the sweetest spirits of anyone I have ever met. We called him "Tunie".
Jill Swanson trainum
02/23/2011
Ted meant a lot to my dad, he was his best friend. Teaching together and restoring the Triumph. I keep thinking they are together again. Seeing Ted over the years, visiting him at the court house--brought me a little closer to my dad (who died way to early). I remember Ted and his huge brothers (little girls point of view) pulling into our drive in Ankeny in a convertible. I remember thinking it was like clowns getting out of a volkswagon! I always loved seeing them--my little sister, on the other hand, was terrified by these gentle giants, and would climb the fence to get on the roof and hide.
I thank him for being such a good friend to my dad. I thank him for singing at my wedding--dad smiled on him that day for sure. Ellen and family--my prayers to you.
Jill
Steve Shippos
02/23/2011
To Ellen,Bonner and Berke,
I am sorry and saddened for your loss. Ted was my wrestling teammate and practice partner at ISU. I had a good partner in Ted, he played a big role in my development. Always a true sportsman, always encouraging. I can still hear that great voice bouncing off the walls of the locker-room. When I think of Ted, I immediately see his smiling face. I will miss you "partner'" to Ellen, you married a good person, to Bonner and Berke, your dad was a great "Cyclone."
Steve Shippos
Baldwin, New York
Mary Lou Stout
02/23/2011
Ellen:
I was sorry to see your husband's obituary in the paper. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember that he was not well when we talked some time ago. He's in the best possible hands now, so it's time for you to take care of yourself!
Mary Lou Stout
IOWA TITLE COMPANY
Suzanne and Steve Peglow
02/23/2011
Ellen,
We just found out about Ted's passing. I am so sorry. I know that Ted is your true love and losing him is a huge loss for you.
If you need anything just call. (515-988-2432 or 515-262-2695) We are both here for you.
I am sorry we missed the services I am sure they were special.
I will give you a call later.
Love and Prayers for you and the boys.
Suzanne and Steve Peglow
Dr. Greg Austin
02/22/2011
I was saddened to learn today of Ted's passing. All who knew him realized that he was a wonderful man with a kind heart. I have many fond memories of our childhood years and Ted's physical strength. The greatest thing that may be said of Ted is that he was a friend of Jesus. I will never forget the night that Ted joined me at an altar where I first prayed for salvation. Ted's salvation has now provided him with access to the presence of Christ and the throne of God. My family joins me in praying for God's peace and blessing to each of the Tuinstra family.
Nancy (Heimann) Sayres
02/22/2011
To the Tuinstra family I am holding you in my prayers, I remember the times I attended some of your family gatherings and the many things Ted would say to me, I want you all to know that his wisdom has made me a better person in life. Thank you for the opportunity to know him and may you find solace in knowing how many people respected and loved him.
andrea tuinstra
02/22/2011
dear aunt Ellen, Bonner and Berke
I just want you to know I am thinking about all of you and wish I could have made it up to see you and celebrate uncle Ted's life. If you ever need to talk or anything I can do please call me anytime, 509-263-3508 Love , Andrea
Dave & Jan (Koeneman) Rothrock
02/22/2011
Dear Ellen, Bonner & Burke,
We were so sorry to hear that Ted passed away last Thursday - Kathy Kahler sent us a message as we live in Sarasota, FL, now. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family and hope that you find peace in the menories you have of your husband and father.
Burke, Jenna Koeneman is my daughter and she sends her prayers for you. We were there when you wrestled at Valley and it's particularly special knowing that you were following in your dad's footsteps. I'm certain he was proud of your accomplishments!
All our love,
Jan & Dave Rothrock
Tony Braida
02/22/2011
Dear Tuinstra Family:
It is with sadness that I read of Ted's passing. I only met him once, here at 1804 28th Street, that day of the Drake Relays. However, his kindness and sense of caring for others was quite evident; traits that I hope others will take as an example of how to live a life "well-lived."
My sincere condolences.
Tony Braida
1804 28th Street
Des Moines, IA 50310