Michael Tunseth

Michael Lee Tunseth was born July 1st, 1953 in Mayville, ND to Lester and Caroline (Eken) Tunseth. Mike was baptized and confirmed at Mayville Lutheran Church. Mike spent his childhood and made many memories in Mayville, graduating from Mayville High and Mayville State with a degree in Mathematics.

While attending Mayville State, Mike met his lifelong partner and the mother-to-be of his children, Twyla Philbrick. Together they moved to Buxton, ND where Mike worked construction and eventually to Grand Forks, ND where they would make (and Mike would build) their forever home.

Mike worked to support his family as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service for 25 years. Upon early retirement, Mike took a job he was passionate about at Grand Forks Head Start. Mike worked transporting hundreds of children to and from school, and on field trips, along with keeping the buses in their safest condition. Head Start was his second family.

Mike was talented at many things he did, including gardening, woodworking and building, and playing pinochle and backgammon. Mike was a fan of UND sports, especially hockey. Mike was a devoted member of United Lutheran Church where he served in many areas including rebuilding after the flood and Sunday morning transportation.

Mike’s greatest passion and devotion were to his wife of 39 years, Twyla, his children, Kelly (Tyler) Kuenzel, Stacey Tunseth, and David Tunseth, all of Grand Forks. Mike enjoyed every minute he got with his grandchildren, Addelyn, Carson, Andrew, and Bennett.

After a short, exhausting battle with Esophageal cancer, Mike passed away in his home on September 17th, 2018. Mike will forever be remembered by those who mourn as an incredible, hardworking husband, father, and friend.

Surviving Mike include his wife, children, and grandchildren. Also surviving Mike is his mother Caroline Tunseth of Mayville, ND and siblings, Larry Tunseth, Shirley (Mike) Mullally, Darryl (Julie) Tunseth, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Lester Tunseth, brother Wayne Tunseth, and sisters-in-law Louise and Rozann Tunseth.

A funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Friday, September 21st, 2018 at United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be Thursday, September 20th from 5-7pm, to include a 7pm prayer service, at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks.