Kringen Benefit Set For Sept. 14

A benefit for Kevin Kringen will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Sidney Elks Lodge following the Wanna Be An Elk golf tournament. A silent auction will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a pulled pork and brisket dinner at 5 p.m. and a live auction at 7 p.m. Monetary donations may also be made at the Elks or to the Kevin Kringen benefit account at Stockman Bank.

Kevin is not afraid of dying. His strong faith assures him that he will meet up with family and friends who have gone before him. "I'm not in a hurry but I'll be OK," he said. What he wants to do in the time he has left is create memories with family and friends that will last them a life time. Like the Nerf gun wars with his 6-year-old grandson, Landon. "It helped to relieve the tension and just laugh, just enjoy normal things," Kevin said. "We/re using the time we have to make memories. Hopefully he'll remember me."

Kevin has been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an incurable brain cancer. He is currently receiving chemo and radiation to slow the disease but his doctors have given him one to one and a half years. Surgery, treatments, occupational and physical therapy have greatly improved his capabilities, allowing him to enjoy life a while longer. His wife, Brenda, works three days a week, depending on Kevin's needs, at Roosevelt Medical Center. She too is determined to make great memories for herself and her family.

Kevin's daughters, Tressa and Christine, had planned to get married in 2025, in Texas. Because of his illness, those weddings have been moved up to this November just a few days apart. They want their father to walk them down the aisle and to have the traditional father daughter dance. The 1500-mile drive is now impossible, so plans are being made to fly and book first class tickets, a necessity with Kevin's immobility issues. They will also spend Thanksgiving there, probably the last one together, creating memories for the girls.

Christmas will be in Sidney with as many family members and friends as possible. "We want to make everything special," Brenda said.

Kevin started his working days seismographing for Monte Erickson, then went to work for Kringen Construction. His brother, Randy, always said that Kevin was the fun one; his huge smile lights up any room. If there was an older person who needed carpentry work done, Kevin was sent. He was also a friendly face at Sidney Rental for many years, and was most recently driving for Trusty T Trucking. He also quietly helped the community whenever he could, from helping Charlie Evanson create backdrops at the J.K. Ralston Museum, to helping at the fairgrounds, and the Richland Rangers Hockey program.

The Kringen family is extremely grateful for all the help they have received since Kevin's diagnosis. Special friends like Tommy Quiroz who drove them to Billings for the surgery, Rich Will who built the ramp on their home, Joe Renders, Kevin Basta and Quiroz who have made sure the lawn is mowed, visits from Monte Erickson who has been a second dad to Kevin, Sisters Regina Rauschendorfer and Regina Murray who have been very supportive and others such as Tami Frison who take him for lunch, or to medical appointments if needed, all the meal train cooks who have delivered delicious food, all have made life easier and more fulfilling. Family, including Kevin's sister Val and son Aaron, Brenda's brother Scott, her daughter Marissa and so many others have helped in a myriad of ways. Val and Pat, Scott, Brenda's daughter Charity, Kevin's girls and Aaron have all chipped in to purchase some of the special equipment Kevin has needed.

He and his granddaughter, Kendal, have always been good buddies. She was an immense help when Kevin first got home and Brenda was still recuperating from her surgery. Kevin's kids will be here for the benefit so the gift of a photo shoot from Jody Melby was truly appreciated. "So many things have been taken care of. It's been a miracle," Kevin said. "God has steered Brenda and I in so many ways. It's really helped mentally too." "We really appreciate all the efforts on everyone's part," Brenda added. She also said that the staff at RMC has been extremely supportive, giving her time off as needed. However, if she doesn't work, she doesn't get paid and then has to pay for her health insurance.

"We've been blessed with magnificent family and friends. They're angels. They've been here when we needed them," Kevin said.