Jess Andringa, age 88, of Crookston, Minnesota, died Monday afternoon, March 14, 2011, in the RiverView Hospital in Crookston with his loving family at his side. He had been courageously battling cancer since last October.

Jess was born near Eldred, Minnesota on August 16, 1922, one of ten children of the union of Joe and Gertrude (DeYoung) Andringa. He grew up on the family farm and attended the Eldred Consolidated School. Jess entered the U.S. Army on February 24, 1945 and was stationed in Korea. Following his honorable discharge from the Army he returned to the area. On November 9, 1948 Jess was united in marriage to Hazel Taylor in Crookston. They were blessed with two children, Donald and Cynthia. The family made their home in Crookston and Jess farmed in Hammond Township. In addition to farming he also worked many winters for the Western Fruit Company of Crookston. Sadly, Hazel passed away on February 11, 1966. On January 25, 1969 Jess was united in marriage to Marlys LaVonne Fetting at Crookston and the couple made their home in Crookston while Jess continued to farm. A son, Michael, was born to their union. Jess never retired from farming and proudly worked with his sons in their day to day operations. Jess was a longtime member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Crookston American Legion Post #20, VFW Post #1902, and the DAV. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was an avid hockey fan and supporter of the Crookston High School Pirates and the youth hockey programs. He enjoyed making coffee stops in Crookston, Beltrami, and Climax, where he could be found meeting old friends and making new ones. Throughout his life Jess remained a farmer, and took great pride in his love for the land. He will be very sadly and lovingly missed by all who were part of his life.

Loving family members include his beloved wife of 42 years, Marlys; his 3 children, Donald (JoAnn) Andringa, Cynthia Ross, and Michael (Jeanie) Andringa, all of Crookston, MN; 5 grandchildren, Joel (Rachael) Andringa of Duluth, MN, Dana Andringa of Mt. Hood, OR, John Andringa of Bemidji, MN, and Adam Ross and Lukas Andringa, both of Crookston; 2 sisters, Jennie Andringa of Crookston, and Emma Wermager of Ft. Wayne, IN; a brother, Louis Andringa of Crookston; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Besides his first wife, Hazel, Jess was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Gertrude; a sister, Sadie DeYoung; and 5 brothers, Bill, John, Alec, Donald, and Sheldon. May God bless the memory of Jess Andringa.

The funeral service for Jess Andringa will be held at 10:30am, Friday, March 18, 2011, in the Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston with The Rev. Michelle Miller, officiating. Visitation will be in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Thursday from 5-8pm, with a 7:30pm prayer service, and at the church for one hour prior to the funeral.