Harry Allan Kringen, 76, of Houston, formerly of Dell Rapids, died on July 8, 2026, in Houston after a massive heart attack. His wife Linda Lane Kringen, 80, died that same day under hospice care after a long illness. Funeral services in Houston were held Aug. 14, 2026, at Cathedral of Praise (COP Church). There will be a celebration of life for Harry and Linda at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Prior to the celebration, a private family inurnment will take place at Norway Cemetery, rural Garretson.
Harry, the seventh of nine children born to Gilbert and Myrtle (Bokker) Kringen, was born June 2, 1950, at the Dell Rapids Hospital in Dell Rapids. He was baptized and confirmed in his Lutheran faith at Norway Lutheran Church, rural Garretson. He grew up on the family farm southeast of Dell Rapids. He was active in 4-H and enjoyed many family activities, especially participating in horse shows with his brothers and sisters. At one time he was hired as a jockey, riding in horse races. He graduated eighth grade from Corothers Country School, District 36, and continued his education at Dell Rapids Public High School.
Harry was a very social guy, making friends with everyone he met. He was quite an entertainer, teaching himself to play the guitar and harmonica. After graduating from high school, he traveled to Houston, to live with his sister and husband, Karen and Emmitt Bufkin. He and Nancy Bjordahl married in Houston, and it was there that their son Christopher was born. While living there Harry worked for a locksmith and learned that skill. A few years later the little family of three returned to South Dakota. After their divorce, Harry returned to Houston. He held many different jobs, one of them being a dance instructor. It was while teaching dance that he met his present wife, Linda Lane. They married on February 14, 1987, and celebrated their 39th anniversary last spring. He played with many local bands in Houston, many times being the lead singer. Linda purchased a Santa Claus outfit and Harry used it several holiday seasons entertaining families and large groups.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Grant Kringen, sister Eleanor and brother-in-law Martin Morse Jr., sister Karen Bufkin and her son Emmitt III, a niece, Brenda Kringen, and stepdaughter Regina Purcell.
He is survived by his son Christopher (Betsy) of Sioux Falls, and their children, Jacob (Anna and son Luca) Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Madelyn and Joshua, Sioux Falls; stepdaughters, Brenda Stalsby and Karen (Michael) Jacobson; stepson, Kenneth Weaver; and many step-grandchildren.
He is also survived by siblings Ben (Elaine) Kringen, sister-in-law Sharon Kringen, brother-in-law Emmitt Bufkin II, Marie (LeRoy) Koopman, Ada (Larry) Jorgenson, Rose (Roger) Lance and Lynne (David) Antoine. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, his Kringen and Bokker cousins, and other extended relatives and friends.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact [email protected] to have your loved one remembered today.
