Kay Janet Kvasager

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/bPYTdMYWDkY 

Kay J. Kvasager, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on July 14, 2025.

Born on August 16, 1935, in Grand Forks, Kay was the daughter of Roger and Ida (Christopher) Bakke. She was raised on the family farm south of Emerado, North Dakota, where the values of hard work and family were instilled in her. A 1953 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School, Kay went on to earn her teaching certificate from Mayville State University, which launched her into a satisfying career in education.

On June 29, 1957, Kay married Norris Kvasager in Grand Forks. Together, they shared a rich life marked by adventure and purpose. In December 1958 and December 1961 they welcomed their first two children, Renee and David. Their journey in life together took them from Grand Forks, ND to Thief River Falls, MN and eventually to Quito, Ecuador and ultimately Fairbanks, Alaska. In each place, Kay brought a spirit of curiosity and resilience — whether teaching in a rural North Dakota or MN schoolhouse or navigating life as an educator and mother in South America.

In 1963, Norris’ work on the NASA Gemini and Apollo space programs brought the young family to Ecuador, where they lived for a decade and welcomed their youngest child, Kent in 1968. Their time abroad nurtured in Kay a lifelong appreciation for culture and adventure. Following their years overseas, the family relocated to Fairbanks, Alaska, where Norris was reassigned to the Gilmore Tracking Station. Kay continued her work in education and later transitioned to a position with the Alaska Job Service, where she remained until her retirement.

Following Norris’ passing in 1995, Kay returned to Grand Forks to be closer to extended family and her beloved younger sisters. For nearly two decades, she volunteered with Altru Hospital and remained engaged in the lives of her children and community. She found great fulfillment in reconnecting with loved ones and embracing the quiet joys of everyday life. Kay loved her weekly outings to the Music Mondays at the Grand Forks Senior Center with her granddaughter Karah who cared for and lived with Kay the last 5 months of her life.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Ida Bakke, and her husband of 38 years, Norris Kvasager.

She is survived by her three children: Renee Kvasager, David Kvasager (Melody), and Kent Kvasager; and by her three sisters: Gail Rahlf, Karen (Mike) Smith, and Lana Kaufman. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Altru and Encompass Hospitals, as well as the caregivers of HIA Hospice, for the exceptional care provided to Kay in her final month and days.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be given in Kay’s name to the Grand Forks Senior Center (620 4th Ave. S, Grand ND, 58201).