Gilmen Tinnes

Gilmen Tinnes, 94, of Bemidji, MN, formerly of Oslo, MN, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Sanford Health Neilson Place in Bemidji with his wife by his side.

Gilmen Emery Tinnes, the son of Gilbert and Emma (Skibeli), was born on his parent's farm in Oak Park, Township, Marshall County, MN on January 29, 1930. He attended school in Oslo until he had to run the family farm following the death of his father when Gilmen was 15 years old. On April 13, 1968, he was united in marriage to Bonita “Bonnie” Rokke. They made their home in rural Oslo where they raised their two children, Janna and Jon. Gilmen was a farmer and he also was an insurance agent from 1972 -1994. Gilmen and Bonnie moved to the Nisswa area of rural Brainerd, MN in 1995 and in 2015, they moved to Bemidji.

He had a deep sense of community and loved people. Gilmen was proud of his Norwegian heritage and loved Oslo and Oak Park Township. He was very active in civic affairs and had an extensive knowledge of the history of Oslo. Gilmen was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church where he was part of the volunteer crew that built the church, on the church board and also a Luther League leader. He was also on the Valley North School Board, Oak Park Township Board, Oak Park Lutheran Cemetery Board, Oslo Lions Club and and a local election judge.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his wife of over 56 years, Bonnie; two children, Janna (Todd) Wolter of Remer, MN and Jon (Destiny) Tinnes of Grygla, MN; six grandchildren, Tim and Nick Wolter, Logan and Lucian Tinnes (fiancée, Chloe Lundeen), Tiana Starr and Matthew Brown and several other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Emma and sister, Marion Durand.

Blessed be his memory.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 am on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: Oak Park Lutheran Cemetery in Oak Park Township, Marshall County, MN

To watch a video of Gilmen's funeral service, please click the following link: Gilmen Tinnes Funeral Service