Joshua C.J. Ringquist

Joshua C.J. Ringquist

Joshua C.J. Ringquist, 40, formerly of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 10, 2016, at the Lodge on Nanchez in Elko, MN, with his mother by his side.

Joshua Ringquist (Chris) was born on August 16, 1975, in Fergus Falls. Joshua (Chris) grew up in Moorhead, from 1982 to 2011. He graduated from Moorhead Sr. High in 1994. He graduated from Minnesota State Moorhead in 2004, majoring in East Asian Studies; during which he attended a year-long program in Akita, Japan in 1998.

Joshua (Chris) lived life big. Whatever he liked to do he would take action towards his goals and make it happen. As a youth, he was on the move enjoying skateboarding, biking, running, swimming. You name it he was up for it. He has loved music all of his life and had an eclectic collection of CD’s. He took up trumpet and choir for both high school and college. He was always creating songs on the piano and when possible wow, could he dance with abandon. He participated in plays in high school and proudly performed in the Trollwood Performing Arts concert band for two summers in Fargo, ND. He also revered martial arts and studied Judo with Gentle Ways Inc., earning his brown belt. In addition, Joshua was an avid volunteer at the Social Connection in Moorhead Day Chapter for people with chronic and persistent mental illness.

In the fall of 1999, he was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and a year later, MS. Everything he was working towards in his life took that much more to accomplish. With help from his family, social services, college, love of the Lord and self-determination, he continued to move forward to graduate in 2004 and went on to pursue an education degree so he could teach ESL. He kept going until his body and mind were not able to keep up with him. In 2013, Joshua told us he wanted to be called Chris. Chris’s last residence was the Lodge on Natchez and Hospice Care in Elko, MN where he had the best care of all. We are grateful for their services and excellent staff. Chris could be an ornery cuss but you know, he lived life big as he could make it with what he had. He is truly an inspiration.

The family wants to acknowledge Ginger Asleson for her kindness in serving as Chris’s Guardian and Payee. She has been a huge blessing for the family.

Preceding him in death were his grandfathers, Clifford (Marge) Ringquist and Jerry (Faye) Baylor; his great-grandmothers, Pearl (Walt) Shol and Bernice Ringquist; and an uncle, Zackary Ringquist.

Survivors include his mother, Lysa Ringquist, of Minneapolis; his father, LeRoy Stine, of Underwood; his brother, Justin (Grace) Steindel of Chicago, IL; his grandmother, Faye (Jerry) Baylor of Fergus Falls; his aunt, Lori Bartlett of Fergus Falls; numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins; and many other special people, including the Robert Schempp family of Minot, ND.

Memorials can be sent to The Lodge at Nanchez, 2709 Nanchez Ave., Elko, MN, 55020 or St. Croix Hospice, 7200 Hudson Blvd., #230, Oakdale, MN 55128.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Stavanger Lutheran Church in rural Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Chaplain Mike Voorhees
Burial: Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery in Fergus Falls.
Assistance with arrangements was provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.