Ralph "Fred" Kvamme

Ralph “Fred” Fredrick Kvamme, 82, died May 27 at Essentia Health, Fargo with his wife of 60 years, Delores, at his side. Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 pm Monday, June 2 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, 215 7th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103.

Fred was born November 8, 1942 in Devils Lake, ND to Ralph and Betty Kvamme. His family moved to Northwood where he attended elementary school. Later they moved to West Fargo and he graduated from West Fargo High School. He then attended NDSU in Ag Economics graduating the year after Delores and Fred were married. Fred enlisted in the US Navy as a Lieutenant JG and served on Aircraft Carriers stationed in San Diego, California. He helped move troops back and forth during the Vietnam War.

While at NDSU, Fred met the love his life, Delores Johnson, at the Johnson Family Barn Dance in Hunter. They were united in marriage on September 26, 1964 at Elim Lutheran Church in Fargo. Fred and Delores regularly attended church and Fred always sang in the choir no matter where they lived. He had a love of music and a love of dancing.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Fred and Delores moved back to North Dakota. He worked for GMAC for about seven years and left to go back to the farm. They farmed in Durbin for 16 years. After farming, Fred bought a semi-truck and drove long haul trucking until his retirement. When they left the farm they moved to Fargo and eventually to Chandler, Arizona.

Delores and Fred were active members of the Elks and the Eagles while living in Durbin and Fargo. In addition to singing in the choir, he served as a Sunday School teacher at Martins Lutheran in Casselton. Recently, Fred’s favorite past times included working out at the gym and attending his grandchildren’s activities. He cared deeply for his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them. Fred was never too tired to help with a car repair, give someone a ride, help with pets, or house repairs. He loved to be busy and to help everyone that needed it.

Fred’s loving spirit and generous heart will be forever missed by his wife, Delores Kvamme; children, Renae (Chuck) Laugen and Kyle (Michelle) Kvamme; grandchildren, Kelsey (Hayden) Anderson, Kristina Laugen, Connor Kvamme, Collin Kvamme, and Ava Kvamme; and his beloved dog, DeeDee; brother, Doug (Mary) Kvamme; in-laws, Lorraine Ista, Al (Delly) Johnson; 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Betty Kvamme; and sisters-in-law, Betty Lund and Phyllis May.