Robert “Bob” E. Kvam, 72, of Lyle, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

Robert Eugene Kvam was born on Feb. 6, 1946, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Martin and Elizabeth (Hall) Kvam. He attended school in Austin, Minneosta, and graduated in 1964. Shortly after graduation, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in the Marine Corps, he served 2 tours in Vietnam. Bob was a recipient of several medals. He continued his service with two years in the Marine Corps Reserves. On June 24, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, RoseMary Lane, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Together the couple had two children, Richard and Connie. In 1975, Bob joined the Austin National Guard. His 25 years in the Guard included a tour of duty during Operation Desert Storm with the Indiana National Guard in 1991. After his time in the service, he graduated from radio broadcasting school and also received his associate’s degree from Austin Community College. Bob worked for Weyerhaeuser for three years, Hormel for six years, and then as a deputy for Mower County, retiring after 36 years of service in August of 2015. Bob enjoyed motorcycles and belonged to the American Legion Riders. After returning from Desert Storm, he toured for 3 ½ months through the Northwest United States and Canada. He loved to travel, especially to Alaska, and visited almost every state. In 2006, Bob moved from Austin and enjoyed his life in a beautiful log home near Lyle. He enjoyed hunting in his backyard and taught his grandchildren to hunt. Bob was a member of the American Legion Post 91, Honor Guard and Color Guard for the National Guard, and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, RoseMary Kvam of Lyle; children, Richard Kvam of Lyle and Connie Hanssen of Albert Lea, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Sara (Joseph) Jutz of New Prague, Minnesota, Darin Finley of Austin, Colin Wilson of Austin, Isaiah Mauseth of Austin, Johnathan Kvam of Austin, Sophia Kvam of Austin and Ruby Kvam of Austin; five great grandchildren, Nolan, Eli and Katelyn Jutz and Joshua and Jacob Finley; brothers, Melvin (Diane) Kvam of Austin and Dale Kvam of Austin; sister, Marie Kvam of Austin; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Elizabeth Kvam; and brother, Bruce Kvam.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, at the Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with Pastor Roe Naylor officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Woodbury Cemetery in Lyle with military honors by members of the United States Marine Corps, American Legion Post 91, and VFW Post 1216. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.