Kristi Lynn Birkeland October 6, 1970 – January 10, 2026
Kristi Lynn Lensegrav-Birkeland left this world on January 10th, 2026, after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Kristi was born on Oct. 6, 1970, to Dave and Rhonda Lensegrav of Meadow, SD. She attended school at Progress Country School until High School where she gradu - ated from Lemmon High School in 1988. Kristi was a strong woman and a leader in the rodeo arena. Kristi grew up a cowgirl starting to compete in peewee rodeos at the young age of just five. She won several titles including the SD High School State Champion Goat Tyer in 1988. Throughout her career as a college rodeo athletic and amateur rodeo star she earned over 15 saddles and several buckles and awards. She was a true champion both in and out of the arena. Kristi ranched with her parents on their Meadow, SD ranch for several years before marrying Jace Birkeland of Dupree, SD. She had a great eye for cattle and an even better eye for a good horse. Kristi was a proud mother to her daughter and triplet sons. She taught them what it meant to work hard and to be proud of their accomplishments. In 2018 Kristi was awarded the Rodeo Cowgirl Great Award at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Tribute Dinner. Also, in 2024 the Lensegrav Ranch was honored at the Casey Tibbs Center Tribute Dinner recognizing the legacy of the family ranch that she worked alongside with her parents for years to build. More important to her than any accomplishment in the arena or on the ranch was her love for family and friends. She never met a stranger she didn’t like; she took time for everyone she ran into. She was the light in the room that everyone walked toward. You wanted to be near her, to feel her magic, and to spread it. She could go from chore clothes to a night on the town with ease as she was classy and stylish, yet brave and tough. Kristi will be missed by all, but her family will carry on her legacy as she was a loving mother that instilled so many great qualities in her children. One of my favorite messages from Kristi was when she received the “LT” Christmas box in the mail and found a lady’s vest included for her, she called me up and said it’s finally my turn to get the gift for buying bulls instead of the guys always getting the gifts. You had to love her personality and great smile! The Lindskov Family sends our deepest condolences to Kristi’s families and knows that she is looking down on her children with a proud and bright smile. Rest in peace our friend and thank you for always being a true friend.
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