Erv Kallstrom

Ervin (Erv) Ralph Kallstrom was born on October 23, 1944 in Graceville, Minnesota, the son of Ralph and Pearl (Sams) Kallstrom.  He grew up in Roberts County, South Dakota where he attended North Bryant country school through the 8th grade.

He then started attending Browns Valley High School and graduated in 1963.  During high school, Erv enjoyed football, wrestling and track.  He qualified for state tournaments in wrestling (2 years) and track.  He was State Wrestling Champion in 1963.

Upon graduation, he attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota.  After one year, he transferred to Bemidji State University where he pursued his passion to become a teacher of Industrial Arts.  In 1966, he was drafted into the United States Army.  He was honorably discharged in 1968.  He then returned to Bemidji State University and graduated in 1970.

Erv became a teacher and coach at Hancock High School in Hancock, Minnesota; Warren High School in Warren, Minnesota; and KMS High School in Kerkhoven, Minnesota.  Erv was an active member of each community’s American Legion Post, Lion's Club and church.  He enjoyed doing carpentry work and building houses some of which were for Habitat for Humanity.  He also liked being available to help people.

Erv was united in marriage to Catherine (Cathie) Deyo on December 27, 1966 at the First Presbyterian Church in Browns Valley, Minnesota.  This union was blessed with 3 sons.