Donald Tingum

Donald Tingum, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on February 5, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer. Donald was born November 13, 1931 in a Model A Ford on the way to the hospital in Northwood, ND. His parents were David and MayBelle (Jenstead) Tingum. He grew up and attended school in Larimore, ND and Antler, ND. After graduation from Larimore High School, he served in the US Army. Upon Discharge, Don enrolled at Aaker's Business College where he met Shirley Larson. They were married on December 3, 1955 at Park River, ND. They lived in Larimore, ND where Don worked at S&M Chevrolet and managed the Legion Lanes Bowling Alley. The family briefly lived in Cedar Rapids, IA and Richfield, MN before moving to Grand Forks where Don took a job as bookkeeper at Absey Motors. In 1963 he was hired by the City of Grand Forks. He worked there for 30 years, being appointed City Auditor in the mid 1970's. He was a respected public servant and always put others first. Even though he was only 5 foot 2 inches, everyone who met him looked up to him. Don retired in 1993 and was the first person ever awarded the Key to the City of Grand Forks. For a time he operated the Avalon Theatre in Larimore with his brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Marilyn Tingum. After his retirement he was active in two stock clubs and enjoyed travelling with his wife and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley; Two sons, Kirk (Janice) Tingum of Grand Forks, Kent (Joan) Tingum of Miramar, FL; Six grandchildren, Kathy Tingum of Brooklyn, NY, Michael Tingum and Matthew Tingum of Grand Forks, Kyle (JoAnn) Tingum of Esko, MN, Kaitlyn Tingum and Jenna Tingum of Miramar, FL; two great grandchildren, Aiden and Brianna Tingum of Esko; 5 brothers, David (Marilyn) Tingum of Murfreesboro, TN, Duane (Barb) Tingum of Alexandria, MN, Raymond (Pam) Moen of Eden Prairie, MN, Dean (Florence) Moen of Grand Forks, and Richard (Linda) Moen of Larimore, and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother O.D. Tingum, and sister Dagny Cowle. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 9, 2013 in Sharon Lutheran Church of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Park River, ND in the spring.