Edwin Kvatum

Edwin R. Kvatum, age 76, of Beardsley, MN, died Friday, June 14, at the Graceville Hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Beardsley, MN with Pastor Anna Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Holden Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, from 5 - 7:30 p.m. Masonic Service at 7 p.m.at United Methodist Church in Beardsley.

Edwin Robert Kvatum, son of Eilert and Frances (Bram) Kvatum, was born in Graceville, Minnesota, on March 9, 1937. He was raised on a farm south of Beardsley and was baptized and confirmed at Holden Lutheran Church. He graduated from Beardsley High School in 1955. He worked at Seip's Garage in Beardsley for a year and then moved to Fargo, North Dakota, where he graduated from Hanson's Trade School in 1958. He worked at automobile dealerships in Britton and Milbank, South Dakota. During this time he served six years in the National Guard and one year of active duty in Colorado. Upon his return to Milbank he ran the Grant County shop. In 1965 he moved to Morris, Minnesota, where he owned and operated his own auto repair business for many years. On June 5, 1970, he married Emma Lawatsch in Sisseton, South Dakota. In 1973 Ed purchased the farm on Big Stone Lake and farmed until 2002, when he retired. From 1979 until the present Ed and Emmy divided their time between their homes in Morris and on Big Stone Lake, also spending the last several winters in Florida.

Ed had many talents and interests. He could repair or rebuild almost anything. He enjoyed reading and would read at least one book a week. He was always an active person, enjoying flying, motorcycling, skiing, and boating. In 1974 he earned his scuba diving certification. In 1975-76 he and Gary Oleen totally rebuilt a 1946 Aeronca Champ airplane. Ed also enjoyed traveling, especially visiting Kvatum, the farm in Norway where his grandfather was raised.

Ed was a member of the Beardsley Methodist Church, the American Legion, Golden Sheaf Masonic Lodge, Corinthian Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, and the Christian Motorcycle Association. For many years he belonged to the Pomme de Terre, Morris-Hancock and Ragwings flying clubs and he just started flying again in Florida last winter. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Emma of Beardsley, MN; his son, Kleon (Julie Nelson) Kvatum of Wilmot, SD; his daughters: Lia (Kevin Connell)Kvatum of Silver Spring, MD and Kimberly (Greg) Rathmann of St. Paul, MN; and five grandchildren: Christopher, Reese, and Heath Kvatum; Violet Connell Kvatum; and Eleanor Rathmann. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kennith Kvatum; an infant brother, Erwin; and an infant grandson, Swan Connell.