Marilyn Kay ‘Katie’ Tintinger – November 28th, 1943 – October 9th, 2022
Marilyn K. ‘Katie’ Tintinger, age 78, of Helena, passed away October 9, 2022.
To raise a family, for many of us, is the ultimate goal in life, but adding in complexities of education and career on top teaching your kids the difference between a job well done and a job half done can be overwhelming. Mom reached and exceeded that goal, proven by the family and friends that surrounded her this week as she succumbed to her long-fought battle with rheumatoid arthritis and the many afflictions that go along with it.
Taking care of people was Mom’s lifelong calling, starting out of high school as a candy striper in Missoula’s St Pat’s Hospital before earning her LPN certificate. As a new LPN nurse, she worked at Alhambra’s convalescent home before spending many years working at Helena’s St. John’s Hospital and then St Peters. Being low on the medical staff totem pole didn’t sit well with mom, so while raising two boys and working night shifts, she attended school at Carroll College to become an RN. With a little help from her high school kids typing papers and Dad cooking dinners, she graduated with honors the same time I graduated from high school! She is a member of the International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau)
Always looking to improve and gain knowledge, the bachelor’s degree and RN status wasn’t enough so mom went on to achieve a master’s degree. She achieved an MSA in Health Services Administration through Central Michigan University. Diabetes is the dark monster in the closet of our family having killed Mom’s father, her brother and eventually her son, Dusty. Mom was dedicated to learning everything she could about the disease and how best to treat it. Using her master’s degree, she taught diabetes education and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support through Kalispell Regional Hospital and Fort Harrison. She also taught nursing education classes at Kalispell high schools and Flathead Community College.
As a critical care nurse and supervisor at St, Peters Hospital from 1984 to 1995, mom embodied the role of an empathetic care giver. She is who you want at your side in times of need. Her experience and character was sought by other institutions as well as the VA at Fort Harrison finally bought her into the fold as an ICU nurse. A year later they offered he the opportunity to help start the VA clinic in Whitefish. Mom stayed with the VA until she retired in the 2007.
Mom was born in Seattle in 1943 but the family moved to Glendive shortly after. They moved around a bit before settling in Missoula where she graduated from Hellgate High. A highlight from high school included marching with the Hellgate High Marching Band and in the Parade of Roses for the Rose Bowl.
Mom married Dad, Wesley James Tintinger, on August 21st, 1965. They spent 56 years together before Dad passed away last year. She is also proceeded in death by her son Dusty ‘Dustman’, and her brother Robert Laurie and parents Robert and Helen. The rest of us will carry on, raising a toast to Mom, including her sister Ruth Laurie, her daughter-in-law, Kathy ‘Kat’ Tintinger (Dusty), her son Ben, daughter-in-law Tracey, and grandkids, Jon, Sam, Jaylen and Trey. It’s been a life well lived Ma!
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 17, 2022 at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 N Benton Ave., with a small reception to follow at the church.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday October 17, 2022
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday October 17, 2022
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mary Runkel says
Katie was the Nurse you asked for help on the night shift as a “ new nurse.” She gave you her special smile with a twinkle in her eye and said she would help you anyway she could. Her patients loved her, physicians knew when she called they better come to ICU. She was a “ Wonder Woman” to all- she gave all she had always. May all your memories give you comfort Ben, Tracy and all the family.
Rita Rasmusson says
Ben and family, I always loved your mom. She was the very definition of being a ‘firecracker,’ a truly remarkable ball of fire! I’d get so tickled when she’d get exasperated at your dad and would exclaim at him, “DAD!” I thought the world of both of your folks and I must admit, I shed a tear when my sister called me from Helena just a bit ago and said Katie was gone. Please express my heartfelt condolences to the rest of the family. I will be unable to attend, am attending a memorial service out in Central Oregon the same day. When it came to great moms, boy, you got a good ‘un! God bless and keep you all, now Katie can rest in peace from the ills that plagued her. The world is less for her loss.
Kate Lamping says
Ben and family,
🎶 “ K-K-K-Katy, beautiful Katie, you’re the only girl I adore”🎶. Words sung to me by your mom as a young child growing up in Helena. She certainly was beautiful, a great role model, one of a kind. Your tribute to your mom captures her zest for life and learning. I’m sorry for your loss, she really was a force to be reckoned with, always with a twinkle in her eyes. Peace to all of you.
Oralei Hoffman says
I was saddened to hear about Katie- I have fond memories of working with her in ICU at St. Peter’s – she was an excellent nurse –
Cynde Watkins says
Katie was an amazing nurse and person. She mentored me as a new nurse and I will never forget her kindness. May you Rest In Peace.
Doris Copenhaver says
So very sorry Ben and Tracy to see you have lost your mother. I’m sure your father her husband was the Mason in charge of our fireplace in our home in Clancy. It was a lovely obituary and she was a special woman. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Gary Myers says
I enjoyed reconnecting with Katie and Wes the last ten years. She and I were both so interested in family history. I found her to be so tender hearted even while being brave. I never heard her complain about her daily struggles which inspires me. Winston was a joy to her the last while. I’m glad she had him.
Chandra Lillemoen says
Rest in Peace Katie. I worked with Katie at the VA…she was an awesome nurse! My sympathy to her family & friends.
Penelope Abegglen says
Katie will always be reminded with love and respect. She was an awesome nurse devoted to the care of the veteran and their families.
She was such an addiction to the nursing team.
As a wife, mother and community member she was a star. Heaven is blessed by her presence and the world has suffered a great loss. Bless you and your family.
Fondly Penny
Joseph Myers says
I remember that Uncle Wes showed me all his trains, and then Aunt Katie said I could have them at my house! I felt really happy about that. I liked seeing her in her cozy little
House when we visited last winter.
Joseph Myers