KENNETH W. RINGDAHL - 88 - Regional Manager & Citrus Grower

 LAKELAND - Mr. Kenneth W. Ringdahl of Lakeland, Florida, died December 1, 2013, of respiratory failure. He was born in Fort Meade, Florida, September 2, 1925, he moved to Lakeland from Winter Haven in 1955. His mother was a native of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, and his father was a native of Jhorted, Sweden.

  Mr. Ringdahl retired after serving over 37 years with the Florida Industrial Commission and the Florida Department of Labor and in later years served as Regional Manager over all Department of Labor activities in a 9-county area.

  Kenneth was a World War II veteran of the United States Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946, serving in the Pilot Training Program.  He was a long-time member of the American Legion Frierson-Nichols Post 8 in Winter Haven and the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association.  He served on the Traviss Vocational School's General Advisory Committee, the Boards of Directors of the Lakeland Area United Way, Lakeland Family YMCA, Lakeland Mayor's Advisory Committee on Employment, Governor Bob Graham's 12-member Statewide Manpower Planning Council and served as Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Heartland Manpower Planning Council, a 5-county consortium. He was a member of Lakeland's First Presbyterian Church and was an ordained elder. He was also a charter member of the Presbyterian Chapel in the Grove and served on the organizational committee for the North Lakeland Presbyterian Church.  He was an alumnus of the University of Florida, Clemson College, and Florida Southern College, where he completed graduate level courses in Tests & Measurements.  He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.  In his career with the State Department of Labor, Ken and his staff helped thousands of people find jobs.  He was invited to the White House to a special ceremony announcing new funding initiatives for the nationwide Job Corps Program. He was one of only three people asked in Florida. Kenneth was a faithful Christian and a fun person to be around.
  He requested that everyone who comes to the service please wear bright colors. Service to be at First Presbyterian Church on Lake Hollingsworth on Friday, 12-13-2013.  > He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Helen Martin Ringdahl.  >  He is survived by his wife, Nancy F. Ringdahl, daughters Diane Herrington, Janet Carithers, Lisa Koiner, stepsons Timothy Hayes, Gerald (Jerry) Hayes, stepdaughter Susan Merritt, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Also, brothers Harold and Stuart Ringdahl are surviving.  In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Good Shepherd Hospice or First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.  Ledger, Dec. 9, 2013