John Orville Kvittem, 86, of Wanamingo, died Friday, July 20, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital while surrounded by his loving family from complications following a fall at a restaurant. Johnny was born July 22, 1925, at the family home in Cherry Grove Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota, the son of Adolph and Sophie (Haugen) Kvittem. He graduated from Kenyon High School in 1943 and began a life-long career of dairy and crop farming. On September 15, 1951, Johnny married Helen Flom at Urland Lutheran Church in rural Cannon Falls. They celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage by hosting an anniversary gathering last fall. John was very active in his church and community, served as Farmers Coop Oil Board Director for thirty one years, Cherry Grove Township Clerk, Dale Lutheran Church Council President, 4-H Club Leader and Men''s Fellowship member. He and Helen were also long-time members of the Wagon Wheel Square Dance Club in Kenyon. John especially loved watching his grandsons participate in various sports activities as well as watching the Minnesota Twins. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards and traveling. John is survived by his wife Helen Kvittem of Wanamingo, daughter Barb (Dale) Kvittem-Barr of Peoria, Arizona, son Bruce (Barb) Kvittem of Kenyon, daughter Judy Miller of Sogn Valley and foreign exchange daughter Ronny Gomez of Costa Rica, five grandchildren Jared, Josh, and Luke (Kelly) Miller, Mikayla and Brittany Kvittem-Barr; and two great-grandchildren Rylann and Kolton Miller. He is also survived by three brothers, Alvin Kvittem of Wanamingo, Milton (Jeanne) Kvittem of Blaine, Duane (Carol) Kvittem of Winnebago; two step granddaughters Vicky Shorter, and Becky Krahn and four step great-grandchildren Nicole Shorter and Lacy, Cody, and Hunter Krahn. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Ervin, Myron, and Joseph, and his son-in-law Alan Miller. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Kenyon on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Dale Lutheran Church, Kenyon on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Dale Lutheran Church, Kenyon with Reverend Heather Culuris officiating. Interment will be in the Dale Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Dale Lutheran Church or the donor''s choice. Visitation: 07/25/2012 17:00 07/25/2012 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 07/26/2012 11:00