With love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Bernhard Theodore "Ted" Ringberg Jr. a devoted husband, father, and pillar of his community. Born on October 28, 1936, Ted—affectionately known as "Sonny" to his mother, sister, and childhood friends—grew up at 1142 Charles Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota and attended Wilson High School. Many summers were spent with his family on Minnesota's North Shore. His first job at the age of sixteen was working as a popcorn vendor at the old Lexington Stadium for the St Paul Saints. He also worked at the Madeline Island Art Camp as a dishwasher, where his sister was an instructor.

Ted enlisted in the Navy after high school and served from October 14, 1954, to October 1, 1957. He was billeted aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bennington, and sailed from New York to California, then Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. As a photographer's mate, he documented life at sea, capturing moments that shaped his perspective and career.

Back in Minnesota, fate intervened one day when Ted, driving with friends, caught sight of Mary Helen Berube standing on the sidewalk and holding a giant stuffed pink elephant. That fleeting moment of fascination sparked a lifelong love affair. They married in 1958 and settled into a cozy two-bedroom ranch in a cornfield, renamed Cedar Grove by the developer, where they built a family and a life filled with adventure.

Ted began his civilian career at Dakota Microfilm, rising from delivery boy to general manager, a testament to his dedication and work ethic. When the company closed in 1992 due to competition from digital technology, he recognized that there was still an opportunity to serve organizations that relied on microfilm. Providing service to their loyal clients, Ted and Mary ran a small microfilm processing business from their home until 2011.

His commitment to his community was equally remarkable. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Eagan Volunteer Fire Department, officially established in 1963. In the department's early days, he and his neighbors worked tirelessly to acquire the city's first fire engines. He served as Fire Chief in 1967.

Beyond his public service, "Mr. R" served ten years as Scout Master for Troop 509 in Eagan, mentoring young men, including his three sons, and guiding them through outdoor adventures and leadership experiences. He believed in the values expressed through the Scout Oath and Scout Law, seeing them as a strong moral and ethical foundation for a life well lived.

Camping with his family was also a cherished pastime, creating lasting memories under the open sky. He cooked up amazing meals from his cast iron Dutch oven over an open fire.

Ted had a deep passion for the water—he loved canoeing, motorboating, and sailing, embracing the freedom and tranquility of life on Deer Lake, the Mississippi River, and Lake Superior. His love for maritime adventures never faded.

As empty nesters, Ted and Mary found themselves "lured into a cult" of the irresistible world of dance. Square dancing, line dancing, two-stepping, foxtrotting, and polka became their way of life. They danced across the Midwest, the U.S., and to Germany for Oktoberfest, winning dance competitions and making lifelong friends along the way. They even had groupies asking for their autographs outside the Polka Spotlight television studio. Their love story quite literally glided across the Atlantic as they waltzed aboard the Queen Mary II from England to New York, proving that their connection was as timeless as the music they danced to.

In 2009, Ted was crowned "King Winter LI" of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Senior Royalty, a fitting title for a man who embodied tradition, celebration, and joy. But I know in his heart, he had always wanted to be a Vulcan.

Volunteering for the Eagan Historical Society was another way Ted was able to give back to the community that had transformed in his lifetime from farmland to Minnesota's fastest growing community.

Ted faced Parkinson's disease with strength and resilience, never losing the warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit that defined him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Helen Berube Ringberg (2021), his parents Dorothy Marchal Ringberg Gillespie and Bernhard Ringberg Sr, his sister and brother-in-law Theodora "Teddy" and Richard Wariakois, his daughter Tracy, and granddaughter Justine.

He is survived by his children Gordon (Mary Brigh), Butch (Janet), and David (Sherry); grandchildren Amy (Paul) Stamm, Kaeleen (Michael) Ringberg, Thomas Ringberg, Margaret (Zach) Arndt, Adam Ringberg, Molly Ringberg, Matthew Kuehn, and Robyn Ruggles; great granddaughter Alma Stamm; niblings Kris (Bob) Door and Mark Wariakois; the extended Berube Clan; and all his dancing friends including the Minnesota Herd.

Through his unwavering dedication, resilience, and kindness, Ted set an enduring example for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and the joy of embracing life's adventures. Ted's legacy of service, leadership, and joy will live on in the family, friends, and community he so profoundly touched.

A Celebration of Life Gathering, will be held on September 9, 2025 at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave in Apple Valley, MN from 4 pm to 7 pm with a Memorial Service at 6 pm. Inurnment will be held on September 10, 2025, at 12:30 pm, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. (Attendees should enter through Gate #2 and will follow signs to meet in Assembly Area #3.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to be made to the Eagan Historical Society or The Parkinson's Foundation.

"When you have music in your heart you can't just sit still. You have to be moving!" - Ted Ringberg.