TJ Huntsinger

A funeral service for TJ Huntsinger, age 89, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, will be held at 11am, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake.  Interment will be at Memory Gardens in Spirit Lake.  Visitation will begin at 5, pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with the family present from 5-7 pm, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.

TJ Huntsinger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was 89 years old.

Born on July 13, 1935, in Elberton, Georgia, TJ was the son of George Washington and Judy (Martin) Huntsinger. He went on to enlist in the United States Air Force on August 2, 1955. TJ honorably served his country until his discharge on August 1, 1959, after which he earned his GED and began a life dedicated to family. 

On October 2, 1959, TJ married Maxine Taylor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Terril, Iowa. Together, they built a life in Spirit Lake, where TJ worked as a supervisor at Berkley and Co. for 36 years. A lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran, TJ was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake, where he contributed to his faith community since 1962.

TJ had a variety of passions and hobbies that brought joy to his life. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and gardening, and treasured the time spent with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His love for his best friend and wife, Maxine, was evident in the many years they spent together. TJ took pleasure in wintering in Florida for 15 years. He was also a proud charter member of both the SLJC’s and Okoboji View Golf Course.

TJ is survived by his devoted wife, Maxine Huntsinger; his sons, Johnny (Jan) Huntsinger of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Joey (Deb) Huntsinger of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his cherished grandchildren, Chezarae (Jacob) Shoup of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Danae (Evan) Meinerts of Luverne, Minnesota; and his great-grandchildren, Elsie Shoup (11), Piper Meinerts (9), Isaiah Shoup (8), Emmerson Meinerts (7), and Hannah Meinerts (3). He is also remembered by extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all 13 of his siblings, as well as various nieces and nephews.