Obituary of Joseph Anthony Kring

Joseph A. "Joe" Kring, of Dowagiac, formerly of Niles, 52, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at The Timbers of Cass County, following a brief illness. He was born on August 14, 1961 in South Bend to Roland E. and Mary A. (Martin) Kring. Joe was a 1981 graduate of Brandywine High School. While Joe was gifted in many different areas, he mostly enjoyed his transportation business where he was able to drive people anywhere they needed. Joe will be remembered for having a heart of gold and always wanting to make others happy. He was a member of the Niles Boy Scout Troop #550, a member of the Knights of Columbus 708, a longtime participant in the Special Olympics and had been a long-time member of St. Mark Catholic Church. In his spare-time Joe enjoyed NASCAR, the Cubs, Notre Dame sports and bowling. Joe was gifted at playing the organ and loved to cook. He was preceded in death by his father Roland E. Kring and two brothers Thomas and Robert Kring. Joe is survived by his mother Mary A. Kring of Niles, three brothers; Roland "Ronnie" Kring of Hanahan, South Carolina, Bill (Susan) Kring of Niles, John (Sheryl) Kring of Niles, three sisters; Susan (Mike) Marshall of Mishawaka, Sandy (Garry) Asmus of Dowagiac, and Therese (Bill) Besemann of Minot, North Dakota as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends from 5p.m.-8p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at Brown Funeral Home, Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph A. Kring will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles, by The Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of the church. Committal Rites will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Special Olympics or the Niles Knights of Columbus.