Thomas "Tom" L. Kringen, 53, Sawyer, died Thursday, December 04, 2008 in his home from pancreatic cancer.

Tom was born on December 27, 1954 in Minot, ND to Kenneth and Jean (Hofer) Kringen. He was raised and educated in Minot. He furthered his education by attending North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he earned his certificates in auto body and diesel mechanics. Following his education, he lived in Fargo, ND for five years, where he became employed by various North Dakota musical bands as their sound technician. He was also a truck driver in the Fargo area. He moved to Minot in February of 1978. Throughout the years, he was employed with various local bands and as a motorcycle mechanic for local motorcycle shops, including Bennie's Custom Cycles and Krebs Custom Cycles. He had also worked at Schatz Truck Stop.

Tom married Vanessa Sutherland on August 10, 1983 in Deadwood, SD and made their home in Minot. While in Minot, he managed a cleaning business and was employed in the construction industry. He and Vanessa moved to Sawyer, ND in 1993. Tom retired due to ill health in 2004.

He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He was also a member of Association of Harley Davidson Riders. His hobbies included restoring antique vehicles and traveling to Sturgis, SD for their annual motorcycle rally. He was an accomplished motorcycle fabricator and won several awards for his workmanship.

His loving family includes: wife, Vanessa, Sawyer; son, Kody, Sawyer; mother, Jean Kringen, Minot; sister, Ginger Goulette, Minot; brothers: Wayne (Diane) Kringen, Boise, Idaho; Richard (Vickie) Kringen, Mesa, Arizona; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father; niece, Nikki Goulette; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral Service - Monday, December 8, 2008 at 2:00pm in St. Paul's Lutheran Church; Minot, ND.
Interment - Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.
Visitation : Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.