Thomas David Differt, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the CentraCare Long Term Care facility in Long Prairie, Minnesota. His wife, Helen Beatrice (Christiansen) Differt, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2023 at the CentraCare Long Term Care facility in Long Prairie, Minnesota. They were married on December 31, 1953 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
 

Thomas, the eldest of six children, was born on January 1, 1932 in Jordan, Minnesota to Clarence and Edith Differt. Thomas was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, Minnesota. He obtained an undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University and a Juris Doctor from the William Mitchell College of Law. Before moving to Arizona, he practiced law in southern Minnesota. In retirement, he returned to Long Prairie, Minnesota with his wife Helen. Thomas is survived by two children Cynthia Byler and David Differt, two grandchildren Alexandra (Joseph) Ray and Caitlin (Michael) D”Souza, two great grandchildren Harper Ray and Landon Ray, four siblings Douglas (Jan) Differt, Marilyn (Mel) Truhlsen, Lois Muehlbauer and Nancy (Robert) Tschida and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sibling Anita.
 

Helen, the eldest of three children, was born on October 31, 1932 in Long Prairie, Minnesota to Frederick and Ethel Christiansen. Helen was baptized at the Reynolds Lutheran Church. She obtained an undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University. Later in life she completed a master’s degree in education at Arizona State University. Before moving to Arizona, she taught at the primary level for many years. She was a passionate, proud and involved educator. In retirement, she returned to Long Prairie, Minnesota with her husband Thomas. Helen is survived by her two children Cynthia Byler and David Differt, two grandchildren Alexandra (Joseph) Ray and Caitlin (Michael) D’Souza, two great grandchildren Harper Ray and Landon Ray, one sibling Louella (Edgar) Smith, one sister-in-law Patricia Christiansen and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and one sibling Ardean.

Memorial Service: Visitation 10-11 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Peace United Church, 524 Central Avenue, Long Prairie, Minnesota immediately followed by a Memorial Service at Peace United Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom and Helen’s name to Peace United Church of Long Prairie or Reynolds Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.