Neil R. Krinke, 93, of Scranton, ND, passed away on September 14th, 2026, surrounded by family, at Benedictine Living Community, Bismarck, ND.

Funeral services for Neil will be on Saturday, September 19th at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, ND. Pastor Mary Peterson will officiate with burial to follow at St. John’s Cemetery at Haley. Visitation for Neil will be on Friday September 18th from 12:00 pm to 9:00pm. There will be a Family and Friends service on Friday, September 18th at 7:00pmat Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel in Bowman.

Neil was born October 11th, 1932 in Harding County, SD, one mile from the farm where he lived for the rest of his life. He was the third child of Earl and Eleanor (Hetland) Krinke. Neilattended grade school at Vessey and Haley and graduated from Scranton High School in 1950.

Growing up during the Great Depression left a lasting impression on Neil. Memories of truck rides with his dadhauling coal and grain, playing with his siblings in the ash pile,walking to school and his grandmother inviting a hobo in to share the family meal were shared. Neil had an inner stillness and strength that carried him through many hardships. He quietly practiced self-control and patience. He never complained.

After high school Neil continued to work on the farm. He was committed to his family and worked there until finally purchasing it.

Neil met the love of his life at a dance in Rhame. He asked Rosalie to dance and for the next 71 years they were inseparable. They were married on December 7th, 1954 at First Lutheran Church in Rhame. They made their home in Haley. In 1964 with the addition of Aber, Curt, and Bryan to their family they built a home on the Krinke farmstead. Neil and Rosalie worked side by side, they were partners in every way.

Neil loved the smell of freshly tilled soil, new cut alfalfa and looking at the straight rows of emerging grain. After a day’swork Neil would stand quietly with a son and gaze at the Milky Way.

Neil served on the Haley Township Board, Scranton Fire Department, St John’s Church Council and Cemetery board. He was a longtime member of the Dakota Territory Car Club.

Neil was a “car guy”. A story about a friend or neighbor would eventually turn to the car they drove and almost always ended with “that was a nice car”. Neil began restoring old cars and enjoyed bringing them back to life. He loved the hunt for old parts and the people he met along the way. Many became lifelong friends.

Neil loved his siblings and extended family, welcoming them back to the farm throughout his life. Family came first.

Neil is survived by his wife of almost 72 years Rosalie, sons Aber (Shari), Curtis (Connie), and Bryan (Annette). Grandchildren Tyson, Shawn, Devin, Parker, Arianna, Austin, Tiffany and Chloe. Great grandchildren Quinn, Elliott, Emery, Sunden, Kathreen, Carson, Cash, Murphy, Rue, Layla, Eli, Eleanor, Iris and Aria.  

Neil was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Eleanor, brother Vern Krinke, sisters Anita Conrad and Kay Gustafson.