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
Gordon Hassman
02/22/2011
To Ellen, Bonner, Berke and the Tuinstra Family,
I am so sad to hear of Ted's passing. He was a wonderful man---one joyful, kind, BIG teddy bear. At Iowa State we all loved and appreciated him. He was the heavyweight all-American who helped us (Iowa State University) win the 1965 NCAA wrestling championship. He loved God, Family and Friends. I enjoyed a nice talked to him 2 weeks ago. One can never forget his character, humanity, and of course his singing the national athem at Iowa State events. Ted is unforgetable. God bless him and all of you.
Gordon Hassman, Playa del Rey, Ca
Tony Rhoads
02/22/2011
I was sad to hear about Ted's passing. My brother and I worked many summers for Ted mowing weeds back when he was the Weed Commissioner. I always enjoyed Ted's approach to things, his dry sense of humor and his storytelling. He was not shy about giving advice about work,life or anything you wanted to talk about. I recently saw him after an ISU football game and he was the same old Ted - telling stories and mixing in some advice to my brother (Coach Paul Rhoads. We both talked later how it was good to see him. He will be missed by many. My sympathy goes out to his family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Ewald
02/22/2011
Dear Ellen, I was saddened to read of Ted's passing.
I knew Ted only from high school wrestling meets, when the heavyweight giant from the East Side would face off against the shorter but stouter Bob Holliday from the West Side. I don't remember who won but I do remember the excitement they generated and the respect they had for each other.
My sincerest condolences.
Bob Ewald
hawkeye home inspection
02/22/2011
Ellen,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I have always considered you one of my favorite realtors. What an impressive life Ted had. I had no idea of his accomplishments and the life you two have led. What a beautiful, fullfilling life. I will keep you in my thoughts.
sincerely,
steve caseley
Kim Layland
02/22/2011
Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my prayers during your time of loss.
JIM DUSCHEN
02/22/2011
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Tuinstra family. Ted was a teammate, workout partner and most of all, a friend during my days at ISU. Ted played an integral role in the Cyclone's victory over Oklahoma State to capture the N.C.A.A. Championship in 1965. Ted will be remembered not only for his successes in athletics, but for his zest for life and being a great friend of those whose lives he touched. I thankfully had the opportunity to visit with Ted at the Iowa-ISU dual meet in Dec. of '09 when he former National Championship teams were honored. Teammate and friend, Jim Duschen
Corrine Rothfus
02/21/2011
Ellen, Bonner, Berke and family - I was saddened to hear of Ted's home-going this evening, but also a bit envious at his getting there ahead of us! Though it's been awhile since I last accompanied him to sing, I always enjoyed the gospel songs he chose - especially the feeling he put into his very special renditions. When he sang, you could hear his heart for the Savior he loves - the One he's with today! Ray & I will be praying for you & family,
Corrine Lutz (Edwards) Rothfus
Wanda Harper-Bagby
02/21/2011
Dear Ellen: Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. we all loved Ted and he will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your Family.
Nora and Alex Resh
02/21/2011
Ellen! We are very sorry for your loss.. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Alex & Nora.
Bob Thomas
02/21/2011
Ted has run his race and he has crossed the finish line with his arms high in victory. I knew Ted as a team mate on the Iowa State football team. I always marveled at the voice that came from such a big man engaged in our violent sport. Thanks Ted for making a difference.
Diane Rothman-Emard
02/21/2011
Dear Mrs. Tuinstra & Family,
I would like to send my deepest sympathy and prayers to each of you for the loss of Mr. Tuinstra. I attended North High School from 1975 to 1978. I had the priveledge of being in Mr. Tuinstra's Poetry class, and I was also a cheerleader for the Wrestling Team that he was a coach for. He was a great mentor and friend to us ,his students. He genuinely cared about his students and helped us all to be our best and to meet our highest potential. One of the poems that I had written in his class, due to his teaching and help was published in a book that all the high schools participated in. He truly brought the best out of us!
He will be truly missed! God Bless All Of You,
Diane Emard
The Brady Acheson Family
02/21/2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ellen, Berkie and my good friend and teammate Bonner. As Bonner's friend, I noticed and witnessed Ted's relationship with his Sons Bonner & Berkie. I found that his love for his sons is as hard as a Rock and Stronger then USA Steel! Ted will be missed.
The Acheson Family; Brady, Carlye, Piper, Shay, Travis, Jeanie (Mom), & Keith (Dad).
Russ & Bonnie Altes
02/21/2011
We are very sorry to hear of Ted's passing. He was a devote Christian and all aroung great man. He will be missed but we know he will meet his family and friends in heaven some day. God bless his family and keep them in his hands.
The Chapman's
02/21/2011
Ellen, Bonner, Berke and family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. I remember Ellen's huge smile when she spoke of Ted and even during difficult times, the family smiled. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Love Nigel & Michelle Chapman.
Guy Reese
02/21/2011
I am very sorry to hear about Mr Tuinstra's passing. My thoughts and prayers will be with his family. I had Mr. Tuinstra as a teacher at Irving Jr High and he was a favorite of mine. He will be missed.