James L. Kvilvang

James Leslie KvilvangJames L. Kvilvang, 73, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota passed away on May 20, 2011 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes.James Kvilvang was born March, 14, 1938 in Lake Park, Minnesota, to Ida and Edwin. Jim was one of seven children who grew up working the family farm. As a child, he also enjoyed spending time with his Grandmother, Gea, and helped care for her in her final days until she passed away in 1958.Jim graduated from Lake Park High School in 1956. He worked on the family farm near Lake Park during high school and ran the farm for 5 five years after graduation. In addition to running the farm, Jim also worked as a heavy machine operator and as a bartender for his brother-in-law, Clayton Blacknik, at the Erie 34 club at night. He married Shirley LeTourneau on July 22, 1963 in Sioux Falls, SD and they lived on the farm until they moved to Detroit Lakes in 1967. Jim was hired as the manager of the Clark Gas Station in Detroit Lakes when it opened in 1967 and worked alongside his brother-in-law, Bill Hodgson, who was his assistant manager. A few years later, Jim began his long career as a truck driver hauling heavy equipment/machinery for Haukedahl Trucking in Audubon, MN. Haukedahl leased trucks from International Transport and Jim became one of their top drivers. After a few years, Jim became an independent operator. He leased his truck through International Transport for the majority of his trucking career and for several other companies in his later career. Jim took a break from trucking in the early 1980's and started Kvilvang Insurance Company where he worked with his wife, Shirley. Jim returned to hauling heavy machinery again in 1989. In 1998, he was hired as Vice President of a newly formed division for Erickson Transport Systems, in Hugo, MN, specializing in hauling heavy equipment and over-sized loads. Jim worked there with his son, Michael, through 2000 when he left after being diagnosed with colon cancer. After a year of treatment, Jim was cured and with his indomitable spirit and strong work ethic, went to back to hauling heavy machinery. In 2007, he took a job with Transystems in Fargo, ND, where he hauled sugar beets in order to be close to home to take care of Shirley, who had suffered a stroke. Jim officially retired in 2010 at the age of 72.Throughout his long career, Jim drove about 4 million miles with no major accidents. He received many safe driving awards, one of which was from Westran in recognition of seven consecutive years of professional safe driving. Jim also received a "million mile" safe driving award from International Transport.In his free time, Jim enjoyed wood carving, wood working, gardening and cooking meals for family gatherings. He also enjoyed remodeling and restoring his home. Together with his son, Michael, they became the Kvilvang family historians for the Lake Park Kvilvang clan. They traced the family lineage back to what is now known as Kvilvangen Valley in Norway and established connections to relatives there and throughout the United States. Jim's contributions helped in amassing a valuable connection to our ancestral heritage that will be appreciated by generations.Jim was a remarkable fighter on a determined mission to care for his family and he will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, Detroit Lakes, MN; two sons: Michael Kvilvang, Detroit Lakes, MN, Myles Cheryl Kvilvang, Layton, UT; five grandchildren, Melissa Mark Longoria, Ada, MN, Kayla Justin Mattinson, Ryan Kvilvang, Ashley Kvilvang, Brayden Kvilvang; three great grandchildren, Kail Longoria, Kaiden Mattinson, Alaze Longoria; and his siblings, brother, Donald Sharon Kvilvang, Hibbing, MN; sisters, Marlene Donald Solwold, Esko, MN, Patricia William Hodgson, Renton, WA, Kathleen Blacknik James Clark, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Pamela Herman Washington, Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ida Kvilvang; brother, Sidney Kvilvang; and daughter, Michelle Kvilvang.