Linda Buringrud

Linda M. Buringrud, 77, Bismarck, passed away Saturday, June 14, at home in Bismarck.

Linda Mae Kvant was born Nov. 29, 1947, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Alvin and Mavis (Larson) Kvant. Linda graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1965.

Linda and two life-long girlfriends attended a July 4th dance at the Detroit Lakes Pavilion, where they were spotted by three guys. The tall one asked her to dance, and she said yes to the dance, and eventually yes to a life-long partnership. Linda and Jay Buringrud were married January 6, 1968, at Elim Lutheran Church, Fargo. They raised two sons, Arin and T.J., and a “granddaughter,” Breanna DeWall, through her middle and high school years.

After working at the A & W Drive-in and the Red Apple Cafe, Linda attended Interstate Business College in Fargo and worked for the F.W. Woolworth Company. While Jay attended the University of North Dakota College of Law, Linda worked for the University of North Dakota Sociology and Anthropology Department. She had an outgoing personality and was President of the UND Law Wives Association and arranged and promoted activities to further socialization of law students and their families.

After moving to Bismarck in 1972, Linda worked for Bernard Hillyer, Architect, and after the birth of the family's first son, started her 39-year career with Oxentenko, Inc. She was fun-loving and enjoyed planning parties and celebrations at work and for organizations in which she was involved.

Linda was a multi-term president of the Missouri Slope Shrine Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed organizing holiday parties for the local Shrine Hospital Kids, especially the Halloween Costume Parties. She also coordinated the cotton candy operation during the Shrine Circus while it was being held in Bismarck. The pink, sugary fluff escaping from the candy machines added frosting to her hair as she wielded her spatula going from machine-to-machine throughout the Bismarck Event Center to ensure a smooth operation.

Linda endured several health issues with cascading effects during the last several years which caused her severe pain and affected her mobility, all of which restricted her participation in activities outside the home.

Linda is survived by her husband, Jay; two sons, Arin (Amy Dwelle) and TJ; three grandchildren, Ceres and Ares Buringrud, and Breanna DeWall (Jayden Weiss) and three great-grandchildren, Kaden, Kyler, and Rylee; one brother, Roger Kvant, Bismarck; and one nephew, Jeffrey (Ann) Kvant, St. Michael, MN.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ron; and one nephew, Alan Kvant.

Rather than a visitation or a memorial service, Linda’s wish was that any memorial be a contribution to any program that provides assistance to children in need.