Lawrence L. Quam

Larry was born August 16, 1924, in rural Glyndon to Andrew and Jennie Louise Larson Quam. He lived in Glyndon and Spring Prairie Township until 1935, and attended rural schools through the 6th grade. In 1935 the family moved to Hawley where his father began a hide, fur and scrap metal business. While attending Hawley High School, he worked with his father and also as a hired hand on farms in the summer. After graduating from HHS in 1941, he enrolled at North Dakota State in 1942. He enlisted in the U.S. Army serving 3 years, the last 2 years in the European Theater of Operations. Through the Army, he studied at Texas A & M University. Upon his return he completed his degree in Business Administration at the University of Minnesota in 1948. He married Elsie Carlson of Erskine, MN in 1949. After working as an accountant in Fargo for 2 years he and Elsie moved back to Hawley in 1951 to join in partnership with his father in the family business. He continued in business until 1971, at which time he began his 17 year term as Hawley City Clerk-Treasurer and Public Utilities Secretary. He demonstrated his commitment to his community with 43 years of public service serving on Hawley Public Utilities Commission, Hawley School Board, City Clerk and Public Utilities Secretary, Hawley's representative and Vice-President on the Board of Directors of the Northern Municipal Power Agency, Hawley Chamber of Commerce, Hawley Rodeo Association, and the American Legion. After retirement, he continued to serve as an Ambassador for the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association for several years. His retirement allowed him to pursue his passions of history, travel and opera. He and Elsie traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Western, Eastern, and Northern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and Great Britain, always with a special interest in the history of each destination. His love of music, especially opera, would draw him to tears. He attended many performances at the great opera houses of the world. He was a wonderful storyteller, always appreciating a willing audience. He had a quick mind, warm heart and a great sense of humor all of which contributed to a rich, full life. Larry is survived by his wife Elsie, four sons, two daughters, and two grandchildren: Byron Ann Talbot Vancouver,BC; Jeffrey Rebecca Smith, Moorhead; Linda King of Prussia, PA; Marilynn John Valenzuela, Costa Mesa,CA; Richard, Fargo; William Cheri with children McKenna and Alex, Fargo. Brothers and sisters: Dorothy Hovelsrud, Carol Nelson, Roger, David, and Patty Sherbrooke. It is the family's request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief or a charity of choice.