Muriel Jean Ringerud passed away on March 8, 2023, at the age of 91, at CHI St. Alexius Health, in Carrington, North Dakota. She was born July 26, 1931, on the family farm in Greenfield Township, Traill County, North Dakota, to Oscar and Ella Kjorness.

Muriel was honored and most fulfilled in her roles as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a gifted pianist, piano teacher, music teacher and choir accompanist. 

She grew up a farm girl in Greenfield Township in Traill County, driving vehicles on the farm at age 12.  Muriel attended Mayville High School where she was very active in school activities, including playing trumpet in band, singing in choir, writing for the school newspaper, a member of the tumbling team and FHA, and valedictorian of her class. 

Muriel earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in May of 1953 from Mayville State Teachers College. Her Majors included Commerce and Vocal Music, with a Minor in Social Science.

Muriel met Olaf J. Ringerud while both were attending Mayville State. And as they say, “the rest is history.” 

The couple was married July 17, 1953, while Olaf was home on leave from his army service. Muriel taught school one year at Starkweather, ND. A year later after Olaf completed his military service, they moved to Anamoose, ND, for 2 years. From there, they lived and worked in Westhope, ND for 3 years. In 1959, the family moved to Carrington where both Muriel and Olaf were involved in music education.

Family was extremely important to Muriel. Together, Muriel and Olaf raised five children (Ona, Jenny, Mark, Peter and John).

Muriel was active in the local Trinity Lutheran Church where she was pianist for the Senior Choir which Olaf directed. Muriel taught piano lessons out of her home for over 20 years and to hundreds of students. She taught music in the elementary and junior high schools for a couple years and was a substitute music teacher for many years. She was a piano accompanist for many students for their high school music contests and for many of the high school musicals. 

She and Olaf enjoyed traveling, as well as game nights and endless hours of Whist. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest joys.

She supported her children in their many endeavors. She was always the rock behind their successes, dreams and challenges. Her wit, intelligence and open-mindedness set an example for us all.

Muriel is survived by her five children, Ona Stoertz of Gross Lengden, Germany; Jenny (Todd) Grill of Plymouth, MN; Mark (Sarah) Ringerud of Columbia, MD; Peter (David Hill) Ringerud of Fargo, ND; and John Ringerud of Carrington, ND. Grandchildren, Jessica (Kristofer) Stoertz-Larsen, Daniel (Erin) Stoertz, Kyle (Melissa) Grill, Kelly Grill, Connor (Erin) Grill, Tanner (Jaime) Greenring, Ava (Eric) Roberson, and Alex Ringerud. And great-grandchildren Esmeralda and Elia Grill, Layla Grill, Linnea Stoertz-Larsen, Miles Greenring and one on the way.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Olaf; her parents, Oscar and Ella Kjorness; brothers Amos and Maynard Kjorness; sister Beatrice Green; and son-in-law David Stoertz.

 

Muriel’s Visitation will be March 23rd, from 1:00PM to 7:00PM with family present from 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

Her Funeral Service will be held March 24, 2023 at 10:30AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington.

Her Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.