Arnold Wayne Ringstead

Arnold Wayne Ringstead, 99, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was called to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at his home in Brookdale Valencia Senior Living Solutions. He entered this world on June 24, 1917 in Milner, ND. He was proceeded in death by his parents, John M. Ringstad and Mable T. Doyle Ringstad; brothers, Art Ringstead and Gerry Ringstead; sister, Marlene Ringstead Davis; sons-in-law, Tom Shelden and Jim Ellis. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Elizabeth Jane (BJ); his daughters, Sidney Shelden of Aurora, CO, Carol Ellis of Alb., NM, and Joelyn Pafford (Joel) of Raton, NM; grandchildren, Rob Shelden of Loveland, CO, Cara Witkay (Doug) of Monument, CO, Brea Pafford Holmes (Brian) of Denver, CO, and Brent Pafford (Amber) of Leavenworth, KS ; great grandchildren, Rachael Witkay, Grace Shelden, Bethany Shelden, and Dax Pafford; nieces Marian Stevenson, Martha Daudet, Dixie Brenner, and Dee Ann Ringstead. He is also survived by the loving staff and caregivers at Brookdale Valencia Senior Living Solutions. Wayne was raised by his uncle and aunt in Westside, Iowa and graduated from Westside High School in 1935. In 1942 he joined the Army Air Corps and was one of the first soldiers stationed at the Albuquerque Army Air Field which became Kirtland Air Force Base. This began his decorated 30+ year career as a USAF Officer, CWO4, serving in WWII, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. He spent four different tours at Kirtland AFB as the Aviation Fuels Management Officer.