Adolph Leonard Kvam

KVAM, Adolph Leonard Adolph Leonard Kvam died peacefully in his apartment at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, MN, on Sunday morning, (September 17, 2006), at the age of 88. The prior evening, Mr. Kvam was celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Doris Holm Kvam, at a dinner with their four children and other family members. Mr, Kvam was a long-time resident of Litchfield, MN. He was born in Minneapolis on November 30, 1917. He graduated from Willmar High School, and earned a B.B.A. in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater. After his discharge from the Army he opened an implement shop with his father, Andrew Kvam. Mr. Kvam added automobiles in 1948 to form Kvam Motor Implement, later dropping the implement line. While active in business Mr. Kvam was also involved in his community. He was a scout master, and during seven years of service on the Litchfield School Board was appointed to the Governor's Committee on School Aids in 1961. This commenced a long career of public service at the state level. After one unsuccessful try in 1964, Mr. Kvam was elected in 1966 to the Minnesota House of Representatives. He was re-elected for nine successive terms, serving 20 years in the House before retiring in 1986 as its second most senior member. During his two decades in the House, he served on nearly every committee, and at various times chaired the Tax Committee and the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. Mr. Kvam married Doris Holm Kvam of Kandiyohi on September 14, 1946. After living three-quarters of their marriage in public life, they built a retirement home on Green Lake in Spicer, MN, making it their residence and beloved retreat. At "The North Woods" Mr. Kvam enjoyed great health and an active life with friends and family, swimming, gardening and working with his hands through all his remaining days. Mr. Kvam is survived by his beloved wife and partner in life, Doris; his four children, David, Greg, Kris, and Karen; and many grandchildren, all of whom brought great joy to his life. He is also survived by his brother, Ivan Kvam. His legacy is one of gracious courtesy, committed love, service to his community, state and country, and warm friendship to all. Visitation will be the evening of September 21st, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home of Litchfield, MN. A Celebration of Death and Resurrection will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Friday, September 22 at 10:30 a.m. A private graveside service and burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to Zion Lutheran Church of Litchfield, MN or the Litchfield City Library.