Michele N. Tuinstra

Michele Noreen Tuinstra, 67, of Moorhead, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2024. Her family and one of her cats were by her side on that sunny day. Despite beating cancer twice in the last couple years, she succumbed to complications from COPD after a few days of receiving hospice care at home. The house was filled with love as she was surrounded by her four pets, loved ones visiting and the sounds of her grandchildren laughing and watching one of her favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz.

Michele was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota on November 15, 1956 to Orville and Madonna (Knott) Adams. She grew up in rural Barney, North Dakota and graduated from Wyndmere High School. Michele met Thomas Rainsberry while both were attending North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton (then NDSSS) and married in 1976. They moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where their first daughter, Danielle Rainsberry, was born in 1978. They then moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota where Thomas and Michele attended and graduated from the University of North Dakota. Their second daughter, Emilie Rainsberry, joined the family in 1981. They moved to Davenport, North Dakota and lived there together until 1999. The family was involved in volunteering with the Vietnam Veterans of America organization and enjoyed gathering with friends at the annual picnics. They made memories making lefse together and went on many camping trips. One memorable vacation was to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks where they went horseback riding and white-water rafting. Michele loved listening to music and took Danielle to her first concert, The Moody Blues.

Michele re-married in 2003 to Travis Tuinstra and they made their home in Mapleton, North Dakota. They traveled to Easter Island on their honeymoon. Both worked together in IT at several Fargo businesses. They enjoyed motorcycle runs with their friends in Bikers United, camping, gardening and going to concerts. Michele was a big fan of The Beatles and they traveled to Dallas, Texas to see a Paul McCartney concert.

In 2020 Michele became a grandma with the birth of Emilie’s son, Jaxen Thomas. Her granddaughter and namesake, Ellisen Michele, was born to Emilie in 2021. Michele’s face would light up when she played with them and she sang them funny songs.

Our family is grateful to know that Michele is finally at peace. We will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Michele was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father, Orville Adams, step-father, Emeric Haberman, father-in-law Marvin Tuinstra, and sister, Colleen (Adams) Freitag.

Michele is survived by her husband, Travis Tuinstra, mother, Madonna Haberman, mother-in law Jonny Tuinstra, siblings, Darius (Jane) Adams, Cindy (Sid) Sondreal, Curt Haberman, Eric (Laurie) Haberman, brother-in-law Billy (Cindy) Tuinstra and Mike (Jill) Tuinstra, sister-in-law Karla Richardson, daughters, Danielle Rainsberry and Emilie Rainsberry, step-daughters Jennifer (Sara) Larson and Laura (Chaz) Senger, step-son Joe (Nikki) Tuinstra, grandchildren, Jaxen Rainsberry and Ellisen Rainsberry, step-grandchildren Hunter Tuinstra, Justin Tuinstra, Jacob (McKenna) Radebaugh, Autumn Radebaugh, Hayley Johnson, and Waylon Senger.

She is also survived by the following family: Jessica Freitag and Garrett Wright, and daughter Cassie Freitag (partner Justice Gietzen, and children Hendrix Dwyer, Lyla Rogelstad and Ryland Gietzen); Luke Freitag and sons Cashton, Princeton and Kaeson; Nicole and Micah Naasz and sons Nathaniel, Eli and Samuel; Jennifer Adams and Jason Likness, and son Shaun Adams; Sabrina and Russell Metz, and daughter Sheridan; Kylie Haberman; Mike and Erin Monley, and daughters Kendall and Kara; Erin and Josh Schroeder, and daughters Sarah and Grace; Lynn Monley and son Matthew; Kris and Ashley Rainsberry, and sons Brody and Caleb; and step-family Nicole Tuinstra, Jonathan Tuinstra, and Haylee Tuinstra.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, North Dakota. Friends and family are welcome to arrive after 1:00 pm to gather and reminisce before the memorial service. After the service there will be a reception with light snacks and refreshments.

A heartfelt thank you to all for your support in this incredibly difficult time.