Ken Kalvig, 53

Our beloved husband, father, and brother, Ken Kalvig, passed away on May 23, 2021, at Logan Health after suffering a massive stroke.

He was born on Dec. 20, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Alvin and Doris Kalvig. He was the youngest of four children and fondly referred to as “Kenny.” He spent his early years in Iowa and moved with his family to Blackduck, Minnesota, when he was 5. The family owned and operated the Hideout fishing resort, which influenced the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.

He graduated from Blackduck High School in 1986 and served as valedictorian of his class. Throughout his school years he excelled in academics as well as extracurricular activities. Ken displayed early leadership skills and a passion for serving his community by organizing a mammoth food drive and being a bugler at military burials while in high school.

He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and English Writing degrees. It was at Concordia he met the love of his life, Rhonda. They were married in the fall of 1990 and moved to Marshall, Minnesota. Ken worked as a credit analyst for Schwan's Sales Enterprises in Marshall.

Ken and Rhonda moved to Seattle where he continued to work as a credit analyst for Business Credit Leasing (a subsidiary of Safeco Insurance). He was then accepted to the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene. As a law student, he was a tutor and did research for the Legal Research and Writing Department, served on the Oregon Law Review, and was published. He graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctorate in 1997. He was an avid Oregon Ducks fan.

Ken and Rhonda made their home in Kalispell and shortly thereafter started their family. He began his law career as an associate with Crowley Fleck PLLP and went on to practice at Kaufman Vidal Hileman Law Firm. He was a partner at Scott and Kalvig P.C. and owner/partner at Kalvig and LeDuc P.C. He eventually formed the Kalvig Law Firm, establishing himself as a solo practitioner in 2014.

Ken was proud of his children and reminded them almost daily of the value of hard work and a good education. He supported them in their activities and faithfully attended their events. He hoped each one of them would pursue a college education.

Always wanting to help others, he volunteered his time to serve on the board of directors of Bigfork Center of the Performing Arts. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Kalispell Daybreak and Evergreen, and a KYSA coach. He served both as a member and as president of the boards of Immanuel Lutheran Communities and the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce.

Ken received the Philanthropist of the Year Award from Immanuel Lutheran Communities for his countless hours orchestrating the fundraising efforts for The Memory Care Garden. He was instrumental in the new logo and slogan for the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce.

Ken enjoyed the finer things in life: a soothing glass of Oregon wine, a well-packed cigar, fishing on a lake in Minnesota, and listening to jazz music with a glass of whiskey, and thoughtful conversation with a close friend or family member.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Doris; his paternal and maternal grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda; children, Maverick, Olivia, and Erik; brother, Dwight (Sandy) Kalvig, of Blackduck, Minnesota; sisters, Dawn Kalvig of Winsted, Minnesota, and Beth Carol of Virginia, Minnesota. He is also survived by nieces, Kate (Ivory) Kalvig of Bemidji, Minnesota, Emilie Kalvig of Montrose, Minnesota, April Thompson of Rochester, Minnesota, and Ashtyn Thompson of Virginia, Minnesota; cousin Doug (Janice) Kalvig, and brother-in-law James (Anne) Wood, all of Kalispell; and many extended relatives.

A service will be held on Thursday, June 3, at 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church for immediate family, close friends and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to a Kalvig family memorial fund that will be established.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.