Roy Kringstad

Roy Maynard Kringstad, age 75 of rural Drayton, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Roy was born in Fairdale, ND to the late Jesse and Gladys (Melland) Kringstad and raised in Hoople, ND with his eight siblings. Roy was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Sergeant and serving with distinction in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. Roy was immensely proud of his service and his commitment to his brothers-in-arms of the U.S. Army 196th Americal Division in the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Light Infantry.

Roy was united in marriage to Renee (Schall) Kringstad on Oct. 10, 1970, at Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Harvey, ND. They bought their first home in Grafton, ND, then moved to their beloved farm where they raised their seven children. He went on to enjoy many years with children, grandchildren, and his greatgranddaughter on the farm. Roy was an extremely gentle and devout family man, always putting family first.

God, family, and country were the foundation of Roy’s life and in which he carried himself. He had a tremendous amount of respect and love for animals, raising cows, hogs, mink, and foxes on his hobby farm. In addition to work on his farm, Roy always worked extremely hard to provide for his family, including taking employment at Williamson’s Creamery, the Grafton State School, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Pembina, ND.

Roy instilled his love of people, nature, and animals in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Roy’s care for others was evident in his generous support of many nonprofits supporting veterans, children, and animals.

Roy will be dearly missed by his wife of 53 years, Renee; his daughter Jennie (Jeff) Tollefson, Eden Prairie, Minn.; son Scott (Stayce) Kringstad, Grand Forks, ND; daughter Lynette (Michael) Kovarik, West Fargo, ND; son Michael (Shannon) Kringstad, St. Thomas, ND; son Robert (Santana) Kringstad, Grafton, ND; son Christopher (Katie) Kringstad, Kindred, ND; daughter Jessica (Dave – Fiancé) Kringstad, West Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Aiden, Keagen, Kalliope, Paloma; Tyler, Reese, Katherine; Sidney, Jesse, Shaylee; Lexi, Bryce, Aly; Sydney, Christina, Claire, Mahliyah, and Scarlett; and great-granddaughter Hadlie. Roy also had a special bond with and considered Nikki Jaster, Trisha Nelson, and Shane DeSautel as “honorary children.”

Roy was a beloved brother to his siblings Gene (Alice) Kringstad, Gloria Kringstad, Ellen (Charles) Glood, Steve Kringstad, Pam (Craig) Evert, Cindi (Mike) Gaylord, Rick (Patrice) Kringstad, and John (Jenny) Kringstad. He was preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Gladys Kringstad, two infant siblings, and brother-in-law Roger Gaylord.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Tollefson Funeral Home from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. A sharing of Roy’s life was hosted from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. and a prayer service followed at 7:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oakwood, ND. Interment will be held in the spring with military honors provided by the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard and the Grafton American Legion Post #41.

An online guestbook is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com. The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.