Bernie J. Kvam

LODI-On July 23, 2025, Bernie J. Kvam, age 93, left Dove Healthcare for a new mansion prepared for him by the Lord.

He was born October 24, 1931, to Bernie O. and Norma (Jameson) Kvam.  His Dad was a barber downtown Lodi for many years.  Bernie lived his entire life in Lodi, graduating from Lodi High School.  While waiting to be drafted, he attended Madison Vocational School, and this started his sign writing career.  He was drafted and spent a few months in Korea when he was called home for a family emergency and then the Treaty was signed so Bernie was shipped to Ft. Hood, Texas where he completed his time in the Army running a sign shop on the base of all things!  He was discharged in 1954.

In 1955 he married Audrey Saager on the coldest night of the year, and they celebrated 70 years together this past January.  Two children were born to complete this family. Kenneth (Monica) living in Baraboo and Kathy (Charlie) Panosian living in Lodi/Dodgeville.  When the children were younger, Bernie would work 6 days a week, but Sundays were special.  It was Sunday School, Church and then it was family time.

Bernie worked in several sign shops in Madison and then became a partner at Badger Display Studio until his retirement in 1993.  Although “retired”, he still did a lot of work in the Lodi area, but at his pace.  It was fun to watch him create a sign or banner.  Sometimes he made a pattern, but usually just did it free hand.  He was a true artist.  Today everything is done on the computer.  He used to say that one of the greatest joys for him was for him to hear people say, “I really like that and mean it.”

He really enjoyed the 16 winters that were spent in Green Valley, AZ, particularly making banners and signs for the Free Church he attended.  They couldn't wait for him to return.  They always had a list ready for him, and he felt needed and loved being of help.  While in Arizona he was able to attend some classes to sharpen his artistic abilities.

Bernie was an active member at Lake Wisconsin Free Church, the Rotary Club and later Gideons.  He served on the WNWC Board for several years and made many banners for their concerts and share-a-thons-again feeling that he was serving the Lord.

One thing most people don't know is that after retirement, he helped with FCA.  It was declining but there was still a nucleus of young people that were active, and Bernie met with them most Sunday afternoons and had a Bible Study.  Bernie loved those kids, and they returned that love knowing he was sincere.  He still heard from some of them after FCA was disbanded.

Bernie was usually involved with Bible Studies.  When he was working in Madison, there was a group of men that met before work and those people became some of his best friends.  He enjoyed being with the men at church for their monthly breakfast and study plus there was a neighborhood one a few years ago before some moved or their health declined.  He also enjoyed our Small Group, and they have been a real prayer support in a time of need.

We remember Bernie for his faithfulness, his use of the talent that God gave him and his Norwegian jokes.  As we say, “There are signs of him all over!”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the LAKE WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, N1640 Ryan Rd., Lodi with the Service at 11:00 a.m.  Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to the time of the Service.  Lunch will be served immediately after the Service.  The burial will be in County Line Cemetery.

Suggested memorials are to the Gideons or Lake Wisconsin EFC.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201