Larry Tinjum, 77, of Powers Lake, ND, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Trinity Health Hospital in Minot, ND.

Larry Ervin Tinjum, 77 of Powers Lake, ND, was born July 10, 1947, to Ervin and Lois (Stenson) Tinjum at the Powers Lake Hospital. His birth was not noted in the Powers Lake paper due to the excitement of the Lien triplets born at the same time there, something he liked to joke about.

Larry was raised and lived on the family farm east of Powers Lake where the Tinjums raised small grains and Hereford cattle. He was educated at Powers Lake school, graduating with the class of 1965. He went on to Minot State College and completed a degree in Political Science in 1969.

Larry taught social studies classes at Plaza ND Public School for two years, then returned to the farm to take up farming and ranching, furthering his interest in the Hereford breed of cattle. He served in the ND House of Representatives for four terms. He later served on the State Historical Society board.

Larry and Jill Flynn were married May 27, 1978, at St. James Catholic Church, Powers Lake, where Larry actively served as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCD teacher, Trustee, Council president, and cemetery sexton over the years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight, Council 5275.

Larry and Jill were blessed with four children; Richard, John, Stephanie, and Sonja. Together the family filled their lives with school, church and community activities. Family times were always exciting when Linda, Susie, Dale, and Judy, Larry’s siblings and families, were visiting.

Larry was proud of his Norwegian heritage and found his roots going back centuries. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Burke County Historical Society and knew all the history of our local area. He spent free time researching genealogy for friends and family. He had recently started leading local history roundtable discussions at the Powers Lake Senior Center.

Larry was known as an avid reader who had amassed an impressive collection of books about history, politics and the Catholic Church. He was a great visitor and was always up for a phone call to talk about the news, weather, or the cattle. Larry liked to celebrate his birthdays in a big way, not with a cake–he always requested sour cream raisin pie, a favorite recipe made by his mother Lois and later by Jill.

He enjoyed attending birthdays and special events of his grandkids, and hearing about all that they were up to in school, sports, music, and at home. He loved living on the farm, enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the countryside, and taking care of his cattle and other beloved farm pets.

Larry is survived by his wife, Jill; sons, Richard of Powers Lake, John (Tally) of Sabin, MN; daughters, Stephanie Fong (Carter) of Dickinson, and Sonja of Medora; grandchildren, Karys and Kolie Tinjum and Sydney, Parker, and Peyton Fong; siblings, Linda Tinjum, Susie Keenaghan, Dale Tinjum (Pat), and Judy Sauter; mother-in-law, Minnie Flynn; brother-in-law, Randy Flynn (Laurice); and sister-in-law, K. Richard; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Ervin and Lois; baby sister, Bonnie Jean; brother-in-law, Kevin Keenaghan; and father-in-law, Jack Flynn.