Muriel Tinkham, 82, of Fisher, Minnesota, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, Friday morning, June 5, 2009, at her residence. "Sis", as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, was born in Davidson, Minnesota on April 16, 1927, the daughter of Clarence and Mabel (Larson) Hannah. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Crookston and lived with her family in Fisher, where she attended elementary school. In 1937 Muriel’s family moved to Crookston, and she was a 1945 graduate of Central High School. For several years she was employed at the First National Bank in Crookston. On August 8, 1959 Muriel was united in marriage to Alton W. Tinkham at the Presbyterian Church. The couple made their home in Fisher Township where together they raised a son, Dean. Alton farmed until retirement in 1990. Sadly, he passed away a year later on April 4, 1991. In 1997, Muriel left the farm and moved into Fisher.
She was a devoted member of the Fisher Lutheran Church, and also held memberships in the Auxiliaries of the Fisher American Legion, Crookston VFW, and Crookston Eagles Aerie. Muriel adored her grandsons and never missed any of their school activities or sports events. She took great pride in their accomplishments, and it gave her immense joy when the boys would "pop-in" to see her, as they so often did. She looked forward to visits with Dean and Caroline and her many other family members and friends; watching talk shows and game shows; and spending quiet time solving crossword puzzles. Muriel had a quiet demeanor and a very gentle spirit, and she will be remembered with great affection.
Loving family members include Muriel’s son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Caroline Tinkham of Fisher, MN; two grandsons, Lance Alton and Dirk Roger, both of Fisher; five brothers, Kenneth Hannah of Rochester, MN, Bert (Gloria) Hannah of Meridian, ID, Glenn (Carol) Hannah of Renville, MN, Curtis (Kathy) Hannah of Baxter, MN, and Charles (Diane) Hannah of Becker, MN; three sisters, Clarice Anderson of Crookston, MN, Vera (Edward) Pester of Fisher, and Sharon (Wayne) Burtness of Watkins, MN; brother-in-law, Arthur Tinkham of Fisher; sister-in-law, Bernice (Lester) Samuelson of Mentor, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her beloved husband of thirty-one years, Muriel is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roger Hannah; sister-in-law, Betty Hannah; brother-in-law, Donald Anderson; parents-in-law, Roy and Nora Tinkham; sister-in-law, Wilma Tinkham; and brother-in-law, Earl Tinkham. May God bless Muriel’s memory.
The funeral service for Muriel "Sis" Tinkham will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, June 12, 2009, at the Fisher Lutheran Church in Fisher, Minnesota with the Rev. Bill Reck, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston on Thursday from 5-7 pm, with a 7 pm prayer service, and at the church for one hour before the funeral. Interment will be in the Fisher Lutheran Cemetery.
