Donald Ringling, 80

Donald Ringling, age 80 of Melrose, passed away on January 1, 2012 at the Pine Haven Care Center in Melrose.

Donald was born March 5, 1931 in Warroad to William Henry and Hulda Magdalena “Lena” (Bauernfeind) Ringling. He graduated from Warroad High School and joined the U.S. Army in 1950. He served his country during the Korean War and was sent to Germany as a member of the Occupation Forces. Upon completing nine months in Germany, he returned to the United States and was involved in guided missile technology. He received his honorable discharge in 1953.

Donald married June West on April 16, 1955. He worked for Bell Telephone Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and then moved to Glenwood, where he worked for the Alexandria TV station. He moved to the Minneapolis area and become an electronic technician for the FAA, which took him to Oklahoma, Indiana, Wisconsin and then Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Some of his interests included traveling and working in his yard and his vegetable garden.

He is survived by his children, Debra Crow of Washington, Richard (Linda) Ringling of Austin, MN, Cindy Ringling of Alexandria, and Lisa Ringling of Washington; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Albert (Betty) Ringling of Lakehills, TX; sister, Lucille Gaddie of East Grand Forks, ND.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, June, who passed away in 2008; brothers, Hugh, William, Edward, Clayton, Vance and Charles; and sisters, Evelyn and Irene.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. at Roy-Hetland Funeral Chapel in Osakis with Fr. Dave Petron officiating. Interment will be at West Evergreen Cemetery in Osakis, with military honors provided by Osakis VFW Post #7902.

Arrangements are with Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis; www.royhetland.com.

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