Kris Allen Hemstad, 41, Minot, died Friday, November 26, 2010, at a Minot Hospital.

Kris was born January 11, 1969 at Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Neal and Beverley Ann (Greenhalgh) Hemstad. He was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Minot High School in 1987. He was once married to Jennifer Eslinger. From this union, two children, Kylie and Kody, were born. They were the focus and light of his life.

Kris was a longtime employee of North Hill Bowl in Minot from the age of 16 years until his death. He drilled many bowling balls, oiled many lanes and brought a smile or a laugh to many bowlers. He will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was active in bowling leagues and tournaments, and helped to run many tournaments. Recently he was also employed part-time by the Pizza Ranch in Minot.

Kris enjoyed following NASCAR racing and professional football. Kris loved music, and had played the drums and the piano. Kris enjoyed the North Dakota State Fair and sharing that with his children. He was also fascinated with the intense weather of the plains and loved to follow it.

Kris is survived by his children, Kylie and Kody Hemstad; sister, Karen (Duane) Ehrens, and their daughter Emily, of Bismarck; his aunts and uncles Curt and Nancy Hemstad, Stanley, Brian and Connie Briggs, Minot, and Mickey Hemstad, Brea, CA.

Kris was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral service: Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.