We at the Newsleaders were stunned and saddened in mid-June to learn the awful news that former Sartell Police Chief Robert “Bob” Ringstrom had died in a bicycle-truck accident in St. Joseph.
The Newseaders owner-publisher Janelle Von Pinnon and editor/reporter Dennis Dalman knew Bob when he was the police chief in Sartell from 1990 to 2005. We can concur with the many tributes to Bob that cited his great work ethic, abilities as a born leader, affability, dedication, deep caring for others, compassion, great father and husband, and the innovative programs he began, including the start of the liaison police-officer presence in Sartell schools.
Many who are mourning Bob will miss so much his quick wit and ready sense of humor. Newsleaders reporter Dalman wrote the following reminiscence the day after he heard the horrific news of Bob’s fatal accident.
Superman schtick
Chief Bob and I were wee kids in the 1950s, he in Devil’s Lake, N.D. and me in St. Cloud. Naturally, we watched a lot of TV shows, including “Superman.”
When I’d go to the Sartell P.D. years ago to get information or do a cop-related story, Chief Bob and I would sometimes do a “Superman” in-joke schtick oh-so seriously, then we’d burst out laughing. The schtick performance would go something like the following, with lots of variations from time to time.
“Golly gosh, Hi Chief!” I’d say in a boyish Jimmy Olsen voice.
“Well, by golly, it’s Jimmy Olsen of “The Daily Planet” newspaper. How ya doin?”
“Just fine, Chief, thanks. Boy oh boy, do I have news for you!”
“Good or bad, Jimmy?”
“It’s a rootin’-tootin’ scoop! I talked with fellow reporter Clark Kent this morning, and he told me he finally found the stolen kryptonite.”
“I’m not surprised he found it,” the Chief would say. “Clark is a smart, super man.”
“Yup. Reporter Lois Lane is writing a story about him finding the kryptonite.”
“Well, I’ll be darned. I saw Clark just the other day while I was driving and waved at him. He was in a phone booth at the time, changing his clothes, which I thought was kind of odd.”
Then the Chief and I would both burst out laughing.
Years later, after Bob retired, I’d sometimes see him at St. Joseph events. He’d always smile his big wide grin and say, “Well, whaddya know, it’s Jimmy Olsen! Still on the news beat. How you doin’?”
“Just fine, Chief, thanks. Lois Lane and Clark Kent told me to say hello.”
Goodbye
Goodbye, Chief Ringstrom. You were a super man. Thanks for strengthening the City of Sartell, protecting its residents and being a true, steadfast friend to so many people. Oh – and not to forget – thanks for your good humor.
You will be missed by so many who will keep you alive in our fond memories.
