Kenneth S. Quam

Kenneth S. Quam, age 71, resident of Tolna, ND, died Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the NCHS Care Center in McVille, ND, due to advanced dementia.

Kenneth was born March 7, 1952 in Edmore, ND, the son of Kenneth and Dorcas (Graham) Quam.  He was raised on the family farm near Warwick, ND, and graduated from Warwick High School in 1970.  He then attended Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake, ND.  It was there, at the student union, that he met the love of his life.  Ken married Debra Allard on May 13, 1972.  He continued his education at UND in Grand Forks, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Education with a Minor in Latin.  He began his teaching career in Buchanan, ND, where he also directed school plays.  In 1982 he began teaching at Tolna High School, which eventually became Dakota Prairie, until his retirement in 2007.  Ken came out of retirement to teach at Warwick High School from 2008 until 2014.  He was active in the North Dakota Education Association and the North Dakota Science Teachers Association.  He loved spending his time hunting, fishing, home brewing, working on photography, and listening to a wide range of music.  He won several awards for his shooting and brewing skills.  Ken enjoyed traveling almost anywhere, but especially to see his grandchildren.  He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and awesome fact recall – which earned him many enemies playing trivia games.  Although he loved studying history, Ken equally loved trying new things and keeping up with the times.  Upon his dementia diagnosis, Debra lovingly cared for Ken at home, until he required a higher level of care at the NCHS Care Center.

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife, Debra Quam of Tolna; 3 daughters, Nicole Quam of Grand Forks, Sara (Cory) Schmuck of Luverne, MN, and Amanda (Bill) Norosky of Winnipeg, MB; 6 grandchildren, Sierra, Madee, Ella & Ingrid Schmuck, and Liam & Emma Norosky; and his sister, Goodrun Quam of Tolna.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The Memorial Service for Ken will be held at American Lutheran Church, Tolna, ND, on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be at the Tolna Cemetery in the Spring of 2024.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

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