Florence Kjenstad

Florence Lena (Ring) Kjenstad, 99, of Morris, MN, a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully, embraced by the love of her family and community on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at West Wind Village in Morris. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morris, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Father Todd Schneider will celebrate the Mass, and interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Morris, MN. 

Florence was born in rural Stevens County, Minnesota on September 23, 1924, to Cornelius and Lena Ring. She began her early education at District 33 School and later graduated in Morris. On December 20, 1943, Florence married Herbert Kjenstad to whom she shared her life, and they were blessed with six children.

Florence and Herb shared a passion for dancing. Throughout their marriage they could always be seen on the dance floor at a niece or nephew’s wedding or just a Saturday night at the American Legion. To watch them dance a waltz was pure magic!

While raising their children and keeping an immaculate house, she started a house cleaning business. She enjoyed the work and became good friends with the people she worked for. Later in life, she dedicated her time volunteering at the Morris Senior Nutrition Center, where she and Herb had spent many joyful years sharing meals and playing cards with friends.

Florence was a woman of remarkable strength and independence, living in her own home until the ripe old age of 96. She has always enjoyed celebrating her birthday and this year would have been a big one! Her later years were spent at West Wind Village, where she found joy and companionship in playing bingo and feeling at home in the caring community.

A lifelong member of the Assumption Catholic Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary. Her faith and commitment to service were guiding principles throughout her life.

Florence leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by 4 sons: Richard (Carol), Alan, Robert (Lola) and Michael; 2 daughters: Audrey (Andy), Marie (Mark); 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, some of which have always, lovingly called her “Mrs. Kjenstad”.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herb; sisters: Catherine Kellen and Bernice Brandt; brother, Raymond Ring; grandson; great-grandson; sisters-in-law; and brothers-in-law.

Rest easy Florence and save us a dance when we see you again.