Ridgewater College Foundation Receives $60,000 Gift from Estate of Retired Educator Bernice Grabber-Tintes
November 7, 2025
WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN – The Ridgewater College Foundation has received a generous $60,000 gift from the estate of retired faculty member Bernice Grabber-Tintes, a former counselor and educator at Ridgewater College. The gift, made in accordance with Bernice’s wishes, will establish scholarships for farm-based programs and nontraditional students, two causes that reflect her lifelong dedication to education, community, and service.
Bernice Grabber-Tintes passed away on May 9, 2024, at Bethesda Grand nursing home in Willmar. A native of St. Francis, Texas, Bernice devoted her life to teaching, counseling, and helping others. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from St. Louis University and a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University in Chicago, she taught various grade levels before moving to Minnesota in the 1970s to begin her career at Ridgewater College.
At Ridgewater, Bernice’s compassion and kindness left a lasting impact on both students and colleagues. She later married fellow Ridgewater employee Peter E. Tintes, and together, they not only shared a deep commitment to education, but also developed an organic farm, symbolizing their belief in growth, hard work, and nurturing potential.
“Bernice had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, whether it was a student struggling to find their path or a colleague needing a laugh on a tough day,” shared Heidi Olson, Ridgewater Dean of Students, who worked alongside Bernice. “Her warmth and humor were constants, and her genuine care for Ridgewater’s students was unmatched. I’m not surprised by her gift; generosity was part of who she was.”
The executor of her estate shared that both Bernice and Peter “carried to their deaths fond memories of the college” and wished for their bequest to continue supporting Ridgewater’s mission of helping students succeed.
“Bernice’s legacy of compassion and dedication to students will live on through this meaningful scholarship fund,” said Annette Roth, Foundation Director. “Her gift perfectly reflects the heart of Ridgewater: community, opportunity, and care for others.”
The Ridgewater College Foundation is honored to steward this generous bequest, ensuring that Bernice’s lifelong commitment to education continues to inspire and support future generations of Ridgewater students.