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
Judy Liston
02/21/2011
Ellen, Bonner and Burke,
I am so sorry for your losss. Ted's passing is a loss for us all as he was truly a wonderful person. He was always so kind to me. He will be missed and never forgotten.
Steve Patterson
02/20/2011
To the Tuinstra Family, "Legend's live forever." Ted, Van, Mark helped shape the lives of many people. Especially the many friends from Colfax. I have talked to folks that never really had the chance to meet any of the Tuinstra's, but they all knew the Name- Tuinstra. They would make a comment, of yeah, Those great big Guys who sing or helped someone out of a jam when they needed direction. I remember once at a get together in Colfax Ted wanted to Sumo wrestle or at least throw me around awhile while everyone laughed in the background, Yeah I was no match for Ted, then after all the fun was over we all sat around till dawn discussing religion and singing songs. I was 18 then and through the years whenever I ran into Ted he always complimented me on my "wrestling" initiative. The last time we spoke I asked him when he was going to get a singing group together, He laughed and said, I do the singing if you do the promoting. I said that I knew little about promotion, his answer was "if you try as hard at promotion as you did attempting to beat me in wrestling, years ago we could make a good team." I said, Well,you better stick to the government work.
Tuinstra family and friends "Ted" will be missed by everyone.
Steve Patterson
Colfax, Iowa
Reverend Dr. Carolyn Clinton King
02/20/2011
To Ellen, Berke and Bonner from the "Old Ship of Zion" friends, we loved Ted and truly enjoyed his beautiful angelic voice. He was truly an amazing man and a wonderful person. We shall truly miss his presence here on earth, but we know 'to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." We know Ted knew Jesus Christ and that Ted is at peace. We are now journeying to that land where we shall never grow old. God continue to Bless and Keep you All in his care and remember, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven Cannot Heal. Ted was always eager and willing to lend his voice to make our services very special. He would always ask if Alice was playing because he knew she would play the correct notes. God Bless You All, we shall miss him, but we shall all meet again in that Sweet Bye and Bye. Keep pressing towards the mark. God Bless You All! Much Love and Appreciation!!! Dr. King. ("Van" was in our class of 1963)
Barbara Sue Williams
02/20/2011
I will miss perfoming with you on the old ships. But you have got on board the old ship of zion and God was waiting for you in the square. Has the song stated you and sing all day there. Rest Ted and glory be to God.
You are in his arms now.
Rick and Mickey Hammel
02/20/2011
Dear Ellen and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Ted. Our memories include how much he added to our wedding ceremony with his singing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mike and Lori Phelan
02/19/2011
Ellen, Bonner and Berke,
We are thinking of you during this most difficult time.
God Bless you and your families.
Ruthann Jarrett
02/19/2011
Heaven is a brighter place now and our world is diminished here. I cannot help but feel that that Heavenly choir is even sweeter now. Much love and prayers to Ellen, Bonner, and Berke, Ted's siblings and the rest of his much loved family.
frank kiener and michele
02/19/2011
So sorry for your loss of Teddy. Anything we can do, let us know. Your friends and neighbors, Frank, Michele and Hunter
Barbara & George Prince
02/19/2011
My dearest Ellen....so terribly sorry to hear of Ted's death. Though we only met him once many years ago, I know you and the boys will miss him forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Ellen - it's hard to believe we have been friends for almost 50 years, since high school! Though we don't get to see each other very often, we have so many fond memories. Please keep in touch and always remember......we love you, Bobbie & George
The Gross'
02/19/2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this hard time. Heaven has just received an awesome choir member...WOW, what a blessed voiced....Ted will be truly missed!
The Gross'
Jennifer Elliott
02/19/2011
I am very sorry for your loss. I remeber all the good times we had at church and all the times brother Ted just kept telling me I needed to do this with my voice. He taught me alot about singing. He was a great man and will be greatly missed. He was like family to me. I grew up around him and am very appreciative for all that he did for me.
My deepest condolences to mrs. Ellen, Bonner, and Berkie.
with much love
Jennifer
Anna Myers
02/18/2011
I'm so very sorry to hear of this great person's passing. What a tremendous wrestler. Watched many, many performances of his!
Blessings and prayers to you his family.
Anna Pryor-Myers
Sherry Tuinstra-Rosales
02/18/2011
I keep hearing "those goooooooooooooooooooolden beeeeeeeellllllllssssah, for yoooou and meeeeeeee" in my head...and the rafters DID ring when that 6'4" giant man with the marvelous, powerful tenor sang! He took that "talent" and multiplied it; may we all do as much with what we are given on this earth.
I miss Grandma Mary, Grandpa Max, Uncle Willie and Uncle Mark, but I feel them with me and in me every day. Rest in peace Uncle Ted--you made quite an impression on us all!
All my love to you Aunt Ellen, Bonner and Berkie. I'm praying for you hourly.
Sherry, Ted Tuinstra's niece
Ruth Houghtaling Riley
02/18/2011
I am a first cousin of Mary Tuinstra. My father was John, a brother to Ted.
Ted's,Grandfather> i have followed Teds Career thru Venece Moffitt
Oakley who lives in Indianola.
I live in Redmond, Washington and was very close to Rex and his family.
I am so sorry of Ted's leaving us. He has accomplished many things for the Lord. We know the Lord is enjoying him and all his talents.
Ruthann Jarrett
02/18/2011
I keep thinking God has reclaimed His gift he gave us to enjoy that incredible voice! I know the choir in Heaven is a little sweeter now. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.