Kenneth Russell (Ken) Tintinger, age 84 of Helena, died surrounded by his family’s love at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, March 25, 2019, following decline due to Parkinson’s Disease and related dementia.
Ken was born March 21, 1935, in Great Falls, Montana, to Russell and Margaret (Oliver) Tintinger. He joined brother Donald and sister Edna Mae and would be followed shortly by brother Wesley. The family was struck by tragedy when Margaret, Ken and Wes contracted tuberculosis (TB) and were quarantined at the state sanatorium in Galen; the boys eventually recovered but their beloved mother died. Ken and his siblings would be taken in by several different families stretching from Ft. Shaw to the Boulder Valley over the next several years. Ken’s TB re-emerged in his teens and he was quarantined a second time. Upon recovery, Ken took to heart his Galen doctors’ and nurses’ encouragement to continue his education, re-enrolling in high school and graduating with the Helena High class of 1957 at 22 years of age. Ken went on to earn degrees from Western MT College, was awarded a scholarship to the University of Rochester where he earned a Masters in Education, and eventually, Psychology credentials from University of Montana.
Ken retired to Flathead Lake after many years as an educator, first teaching in White Sulphur Springs and Fort Benton then as a counselor and school psychologist in Fort Benton, Kalispell and in WA State. Ken met the love of his life, Dee (Miller), when they were both teaching in Ft. Benton. After retirement Ken and Dee continued working with kids as volunteers in the Lakeside school. They also volunteered at the Lakeside Library and with Lakeside snowmen committee, and participated in Friendship Force. At various times Ken was a member of Kiwanis, Jaycees and numerous professional organizations. Ken and Dee moved to Helena in 2015 and joined the Covenant Methodist Church there.
Ken is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dee and their children D’Ann (Lyle) Cigler and son Ryan, LeahJo (John) Tietz and son Bridger, and Ket (Susanne) and daughter Caroline and son Wyatt. Ken is also survived by his brother Wesley (Katie), sisters Bette Jane (Gordon) Hoven, Jan Magee, June (John) Sine, sister-in-law Carolyn Tintinger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken is predeceased by brother Donald, sister Edna Mae and her husband Mel Johnson, niece Alice (Johnson) Lewis and nephews Don Johnson and Dustin Tintinger.
Most important to Ken was family. He reconnected with his family and gained additional siblings after his father married Jane Ryan in 1949 and had 3 daughters. Ken was the family genealogist, compiling stories, photos, and memories of relatives long before the internet made it all just a click away. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and a dear friend to many. Ken and Dee enjoyed many hours cheering their kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews in sports and activities. His wise guidance, unconditional love and support, humor, infectious laugh, and love of puns will be greatly missed.
Ken and Dee played with several pinochle groups until moving to Touchmark. They also enjoyed traveling and visited every state in the U.S., except Maine!
A memorial service and celebration of Ken’s life will be at 2:00p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena with a reception to immediately follow in the social hall of the funeral home. Cremation has taken place.
The family would like to thank the staff at Touchmark, PureView, St. Peter’s Hospital and Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.
Memorials in Ken’s name are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4747, and Special Olympics Montana, 710 1st Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59401. Thank You.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday March 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday March 30, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Yvonne Jenkins says
I'm very sorry about the loss of your loved one. Remember the Bible's promise at Revelation 21: 3, 4. May Jehovah comfort you during this time.
Bobbie Scott says
Dee and family:
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Such a great guy. He always told my Mom to behave herself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. With love Joyce and Bobbie Scott.
Kim Tintinger says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. My first time meeting him he showed me his geneology of the Tintinger Family. So impressive in the work he did on it. Thank you Ken. RIP – Walt & Kim Tintinger/Butte
Jimmy Wollenberg says
Dee, D’Ann, Leahjo and Ket.
Cindy & I are so sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. Our deepest condolences. He will be missed but the memories we all have during better times will stay with you forever and ever. Ken was always kind, funny and a true gentleman to us all the time. Unfortunately I will not be able to make the service, however Cindy will be there. Again our sincere and deepest condolences.
Jimmy
jerald reed says
Loved my cuz Ken,Dee and family. Always enjoyed family reunions and their visits with my parents, Ken’s Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Ed. So glad we had the opportunity to be at last Tingtinger Reunion in Townsend and spend time with Ken and Dee. Prayers with whole family!
Deneise White says
To Ket and the Tintinger family,
Our most sincerest condolences during this time of loss.
Our thoughts are with you…
From your Michelin DAP/D1 North America colleagues.
Carol M. says
Ket and family,
We are all so very sorry for your loss. It seems your father was an exceptional fellow and loved his family and frieds with all his heart.
Ron Bailey says
Dee, I was sorry to see Mr Tintinger’s name in the tribunes obits today. He and Miss Miller were two of the wonderful teachers I had during my formative years at Fort Benton elementary. It has been many years since we visited but wanted to thank you for being great educators, I learned many things about how to live life and how to treat others from Mr T. May our Great God comfort you and continue to bless you. Ron Bailey
Becky Johnston says
Dear Tintinger family,
Mr. Tintinger was one of my Jr High teacher in White Sulphur Springs. What a wonderful person and teacher…so many memories of being in his classes. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Becky Ellison Johnston
Casula says
Dear Ket and family,
Just a little note so you know we are thinking of you during this sad time.
We would like to express our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one.
The French DAP/ D1 team sends caring thoughts your way.
Sandi Schumacher Shawhan says
My mother, Adeline Schumacher, worked with Ken in Kalispell. She thought highly of him.
Sandy Bradford says
Dee and Family,
We are sorry to read about Ken’s passing in the newspaper yesterday. He was a great educator in our school system for many years. We send our sincere sympathy and prayers to you all. Jack and Sandy Bradford
Roger Miller says
Dear Dee & clan,
So sorry for your loss. Wish we could be there tomorrow. You are all in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers.
Ken will certainly be missed: he was a wonderful brother in law.
Love,
Lorna & Roger
Marsha McDede Alsbury says
So sorry to read of Mr. Tingtingers passing. Sending fondest thoughts to your family. Lots of memories of 5th grade. I remember sweet Mrs. Miller. Love to you
Mary Ellen Johnson says
Dear Dee and families, I am sad to read of Ken’s passing. We go back many years, our years in Fort Benton were brief but have so often thought of you and wondered how and where you were. Michelle has seen one of the girls now and then. She and husband and family reside in Helena. I’ve always remembered your families kindness and have warm memories of each of you. My deepest sympathy and may Ken rest in God’ kingdom in peace.