Arlet Kvidt

ARLET KVIDT, 86 (1938 – 2025) It may have been a long way from that farm in Montana, but when Arlet Kvidt’s time came, she was prepared to meet her maker. While her sons gathered around, mourning the inevitable, she glowed from deep inside at the knowledge she had led a good life, had raised beautiful and successful children, and had made her peace with the Lord. In other words, she had waited her entire life for this moment. Arlet was born Arlet Rosealyce Sundheim on November 11, 1938, in Culbertson, Montana, to Julius and Hilda Sundheim, full-blooded Norwegians. She was the sixth born in a family of four boys and six girls. Arlet had fond memories of her life on the family farm outside of Fairview, MT. Growing up on a farm gave her a quiet toughness that few people knew. She maintained a close relationship with the Lord her entire life, and no doubt her legacy will be one of unconditional love. In 1955 she graduated from Fairview High School at the age of 16. She then moved to Sidney, MT to work for a credit bureau. The following year she attended Humboldt Airline School in Minneapolis. Upon completion she moved to New York City to work for National Airlines in Manhattan. The airline business introduced her to lots of travel and exotic places, including Havana, Cuba. And yet, no matter where she traveled, where she lived, Arlet never lost touch with friends she made along the way. With the encouragement of her sister Harriet, Arlet moved to Fresno, California. The next few years were spent working and attending night classes. It was here she met DeWayne Halverson. They were married in 1962 and a beloved step-son, Mark Newberry, entered her life. Arlet and DeWayne were later blessed with two sons of their own -- Clay and Wade. She enjoyed being a homemaker and always considered good friends as part of her extended family. In 1975 they moved to Arroyo Grande, California and became members of Peace Lutheran Church. She loved cooking and celebrating the holidays with family and friends. She loved to make Lefse, a traditional, Norwegian soft flatbread similar to a tortilla or pancake. Arlet and DeWayne divorced after 17 years of marriage. Finding free time on her hands, and eager to get back to work, Arlet studied and earned her broker’s license, then went on to work in real estate for many years. Arlet married Reuben Kvidt in 1986 and continued to work in real estate with him. Together they enjoyed gardening and travel, always eager to open their home to family and friends. The two went on numerous short-term mission trips for their church – mostly construction projects throughout the United States and abroad, including a trip to Papa New Guinea. In 1995 they retired and moved to Cannon Lake, in Faribault, MN, where they became members of the Evangelical Free Church. In 2002 they moved to Northfield, where they became faithful members of Cornerstone Community Church. She was a member of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) -- a group that provides support and “community” for mothers of young children. Arlet also loved working in the nursery at her churches. She was a member in good standing of Gideons Auxiliary. After the Lord took Reuben home in 2016, Arlet moved to Bend, Oregon to be closer to her son Clay and his wife Trish. Arlet enjoyed discussing her faith. People were moved by her love of the Lord. Even her caregivers spoke lovingly of the conversations they had with her right up to the very end. Everyone was better for having known Arlet. She cherished her time spent with loved ones. She enjoyed reading the Bible on a daily basis, helping others, bird watching, arranging flowers, playing bridge and exercising. Arlet was a Minnesota sports fan and especially enjoyed following the Vikings and Twins. She was a loving and supportive soul who will be truly missed by all who knew her. Arlet Kvidt, 86, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. She will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to “Our Daily Bread Ministries,” PO Box 2222, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2222 (https://www.odbm.org), and the “National Audubon Society,” “ATTN: Donations,” 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10014 (https://www.audubon.org). Arlet is survived by her children, Clay Halverson (Trish) of Bend, OR; and Wade Halverson of Oak Island, NC. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Madison Halverson, of Lompoc, CA; step-son from her first marriage, Mark Newberry, of Camas, WA; and step-granddaughters, also from her first marriage, Makena Newberry and Olivia Newberry, both of Vancouver, WA. She is also survived by her siblings, Neil Sundheim (Kitty); Margie Brabec (Eric); Lois Dump; and Duane Sundheim; brother-in-law Wendall Elliott; sister-in-law Renee Sundheim; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, step-children, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, step-great-great-grandchildren; step-relatives, and friends. Arlet was predeceased in death by husband Reuben Kvidt; parents Julius and Hilda; brothers and sisters, Curtis, Eunice (Merrill), Doris, Harriet (Merrill) and Dennis; nephews, Mike and Larry; and two step-children.

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Arlet Kvidt

November 11, 1938 - April 22, 2025