Dale Kring passed away June 11, 2022, at the age of 92, surrounded by family and embraced by their love.
Dale was born July 25, 1929 to Milton and Aileen Kring and grew up in rural Douglas County outside Baldwin City, KS. He graduated from Baldwin High School and attended Emporia State University. In 1952, Dale joined the United States Army and served in Korea until 1954.
Dale met his future wife, Wanda Bolling, on a blind date where they were each setup with another. After finding each other’s company infinitely more compelling, they ditched their respective dates and went dancing together. On September 2, 1956, Dale and Wanda were married in Bronson, Kansas.
In 1961, Dale entered a partnership with Lou Parsons to open Parsons and Kring Floor Covering and later became the sole proprietor of Kring’s Interiors until his retirement in 1995, at which time his son, Brit, took over the business.
Dale always put family first, never more evident than the way that he, along with Wanda, was so effortlessly involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rarely missing a sporting event or dance competition. Whether it was near or far, Grandma and Grandpa were always in the audience.
Dale’s kindness was never reserved for just his family. He touched the lives of many, never turning down an opportunity to help others with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Eager to serve his community in many ways, he was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church, coached a youth softball team for several years, developing a bond with a group he affectionately dubbed, “his girls”. Dale could hardly walk down the street without bumping into someone he knew or striking up a conversation with a stranger, even when far from home cheering on the Jayhawks in the Orange Bowl. Dale’s other interests included supporting the Chiefs, Royals and K-State Wildcats basketball, as well as playing cards, golfing, reading, and traveling the globe.
Dale is survived by his wife Wanda, their children, Brit (Lisa) Kring and Kayla Kula, his sister, Beverly Cates, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Aileen Kring, brothers James Milton Kring, Emmett Kring and sisters Elizabeth Shuck and Lynette Martin.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 25, 4pm, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Friday, June 24, 6 to 7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be submitted to Centenary United Methodist Church or LMH Health Foundation to be applied to the Cancer Center initiative in care of, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
