Sgt. Maj. Jerome Martinus Kvidt

Jerome "Jerry" Martinus Kvidt, 81 of Grand Forks, ND, went home to be with our Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on May 20, 2012 at Altru Hospital. Jerry was born May 16, 1931 in Fargo, ND to Margaret (Kaushagen) and Martinus Kvidt. Jerry was the oldest of three children. Jerry was baptized at Wild Rice Lutheran Church in Norman County and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, MN. Jerry attended country schools, first at Sunny Hill and then at Heiberg, and graduated from Twin Valley High School in 1949. Jerry excelled in sports and his love of sports continued through out his life. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England. Jerry was joined in marriage to Shirley Neustal on Jun 27, 1953 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN. They made their home in a castle at Sittington Hall, in England. Jerry was called to service in Minneapolis, MN, Colorado Springs, CO, Lorton, VA, Wheeler Air Force Base, HI, and Grand Forks, ND. During his early years in the Air Force he was a Master Parachutist and completed 160 jumps. Jerry retired from the Air Force in 1972 as Chief Master Sgt. and was a Sgt. Major with the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Jerry's second career was Athletic Business Manager for UND for 21 years. Jerry rarely missed a game at UND. Jerry was an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church, the Sons of Norway, and was a Presidents Club Member at UND. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing with his loved ones. Jerry and Shirley were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jerry enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, perform at recitals and spending time at their lake home on South Twin Lake, MN. Jerry always welcomed family and friends to their home by opening the door upon their arrival. Jerry is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Shirley; daughter, Sherry (Alan) Coxe, sons David (Pam) Kvidt and Brian (Rhonda) Kvidt and daughter-in-law Lynn Kvidt; sister, Hope (Don) Seeger, and brother Allen (Bette Jo) Kvidt; grandchildren Michael (Shauna) Coxe, Robert Coxe, Krystle, Joshua, Joseph, Alexandra, Brandon (Nissa), Zachariah, and Blake Kvidt, and great-grandchildren Hunter and Kimber Coxe. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and eldest son Jerome "Dewey" Kvidt. Interment will be in Memorial Park South, Cemetery, Grand Forks.