April 13, 1928 – February 26, 2025
Kathryn “Kaye” Kvislen, 96, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND.
Kaye was born on June 13, 1928, to Mathias and Katherine Loendorf and grew up on the family farm southwest of Valley City, ND with her 9 siblings. She graduated from Sanborn High School in 1946, where she was a proud member of the Sanborn girls’ basketball team that won the Barnes County Girls’ Championship in her senior year.
It was at the Sanborn School Carnival that Kaye met the love of her life, Carl Kvislen. She playfully asked him for a lei, and he obliged—on the condition that she dance with him. That dance was the start of a beautiful love story. During that time, Kaye worked at Carl Myre Jewelry in Valley City, where she diligently polished and shined her ring—until one day, it was gone. Little did she know that Carl had a surprise in store, placing that very ring on her finger as a symbol of their love and commitment.
On November 25, 1948, Kaye and Carl were married at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City. Together, they built a life centered around faith, love, and family, raising ten wonderful children.
Much of Kaye’s life was devoted to caring for her family, but she also enjoyed working at Fetting’s Bakery in Finley. She was active in her community, serving as a 4-H leader and member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Guild in Sanborn, and a singer with the St. Olaf’s Catholic Church women’s group in Finley.
One of her greatest joys was spending time at the family’s cabin on Red Willow Lake. At times, it was a quiet sanctuary, and at others, it was filled with the laughter and energy of her children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
Kaye was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl; her parents; nine siblings; one daughter; and one grandson.
She is survived by her 10 children and their spouses—Tim (Candy) Kvislen, Mayville, ND; Mike (Delores) Kvislen, Hope, ND; Terry (Arlene) Kvislen, Ft. Pierre, SD; Karla (David) Martian, Grand Forks, ND; Janet (Dwight) Hendrickson, Ypsilanti, ND; Darwin (Debbie) Kvislen, Grand Forks, ND; David (Nicki) Kvislen, Cando, ND; Dan (Lori) Kvislen, Durand, WI, Paul (Melissa) Kvislen, Kindred, ND; Ronda (Daniel) Milender, Litchfield, MN; 30 Grandchildren; 43 Great Grandchildren; and 2 Great Great Grandchildren.
Kaye’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Valley City on April 10th, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Sanborn.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at www.olivernathanchapel.com