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
Rachel Butrum
02/18/2011
We are praying for you all as you go through this time.. He will be remembered and missed!
Karen Tuinstra
02/18/2011
I am sad because I won't see my brother on this earth any more; however, I picture him walking on 2 legs singing with the angels and that picture brings me comfort. I know that Mom, Dad, Marilyn, Mark, Willie, and many others are in the front row, or better yet Willie is up with him playing the guitar, and Mark is thinking about the sermon he wants to preach. Mom of course is slipping tears and Dad is beaming! Countless others who have gone before are rejoicing in God's Grace.
Karen Tuinstra
02/18/2011
I will miss not seeing my brother on this earth; however, I picture him walking on 2 legs in heaven, singing with the angels. Of course Mom, Dad, Willie, Mark, and Marilyn and many others are right there with him. I think of Willie playing the guitar beside him, Mark thinking about what he will preach, Mom sliding some tears and Dad beaming. Oh what rejoicing that is! Ann Lamont's 2 favorite prayers are "Help Me, Help Me, Help Me" and "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you".