Kenneth Paul Ringstad Jr.

1951 - 2025

Kenneth Paul Ringstad Jr. passed peacefully on July 28, 2025, after courageously battling lung cancer. Ken was born Nov. 26, 1951, at St Joseph's Hospital in Fairbanks to Ken Sr. and Catherine Ringstad. Ken was raised in Fairbanks along with his six siblings and 18 first cousins.

Ken loved the outdoors, be it at the mine near Circle Hot Springs, Birch Lake or Tangle Lakes hunting and fishing. He enjoyed exploring, even though he often had one of the younger sisters on his shoulders while walking the tailing piles, crossing the river, or hunting for moose. Ken made sure that everyone he "explored" with came home safe, which sometimes was a challenge.

Ken and family spent summers at Birch Lake in a cabin his dad and uncles built when they were teenagers. The cabin was shared with numerous cousins enjoying the sun, water and company. By the time Ken hit teenage years, his parents decided it was time for a larger cabin. Ken and his brother, John, helped their dad build a log cabin, which is still used today. The Birch Lake cabin was always open to friends and relatives. Every Fall, the family made the trip to Butchers camp or Tangle Lakes area for Labor Day weekend and moose hunting. Ken was actively involved in multiple sports in Fairbanks for most of his life, as both player and coach.

Ken graduated from UAF, worked the pipeline, and then attended the University of Puget Sound School of Law, now Seattle University School of Law.

Ken married Connie in 1986. Their son, Jason, was born in 1989. Their son and daughter, Eric and Cassie, were born in 1993. Ken's children were his first priority. He was enthusiastic and steadfast in supporting their academic achievements and numerous athletic interests, including tennis, hockey, soccer, and gymnastics.

Ken is survived by his wife and children, siblings John (Ann), Cathy (Dan Winfree), Tish, Rose Ann (Skip Sample), and Dorothy (John Hebard), brother-in-law Jim Bowles, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Sylvia and brother-in-law Mike Harr.