Tony T. Reistad

Tony T. Reistad, age 49, of Grand Forks, died Tuesday, December 31, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family at his home. 

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Grand Forks, North Dakota with Pastor Jeff Stephan officiating. Visitation will take place 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at church.

Tony Thomas Reistad was born on the morning of October 13, 1975, to Brenda and Glenn Reistad. He was a beautiful baby with blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and a calm demeanor. From an early age, Tony had a love for cowboy boots, western snap shirts, and matching belts. He spent hours playing with trucks, cars, tractors, and trailers. Outdoors, he could often be found on the swing set or tinkering with his dad’s tractors, lawnmowers, and boats.

As Tony grew, his passion for sports blossomed, especially basketball and football. He cherished time spent riding around with his dad in the wrecker, on the lawnmower, or on the four-wheeler—anything with wheels.

Tony attended the Anne Carlson Center, Grand Forks Growth and Support, and the Listen Center. He also received residential support from Development Homes and the Listen Center. He loved taking rides to visit family and friends, as well as seeing local landmarks like the Alerus Center, the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center, and the Ralph Engelstad Arena. A devoted University of North Dakota fan, Tony never missed a football or basketball game. He had a passion for UND clothing and accessories, long johns or thermal wear, and especially loved dress socks with fun designs.

Tony found joy in going out to eat, tinkering in the garage, sleeping in late, and going to bed early. His favorite movies included Free Willy, The Great Outdoors, and The Longest Yard. When it came to music, his heart belonged to classic rock. Despite being nonverbal, Tony had an extraordinary ability to communicate and bring smiles to everyone around him. His keen sense of navigation and time management ensured that everyone stayed on schedule.

Tony found immense joy in babies, especially his nieces and nephews, who brought him endless happiness.

Tony will be deeply missed by his parents, Glenn Reistad (Verna) and Brenda Reistad (Rick), Lynnette Edgar; his sisters Jessica Hoverson (Ryan) and Tiffany Stromberg (Landon); his brothers Nathan Reistad (Alex), Dwayne Edgar (Mary), Gabriel Edgar (Dana), Matt Benson (Megan), Justin Benson (Allison), and Ryan Benson (Megan); along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his biological father, Ronald Edgar; his grandfathers, Donald Enger and Kenneth Reistad; and his grandmother, Gloria Temple.

Tony touched the hearts of everyone he met, and his memory will be cherished forever.