Michael Charles Kvidera was born January 1, 1932 in Iowa City, Iowa to Milo & Erma Neoma Kvidera. Michael passed way on July 11, 2015.When he was about five years old they moved to CA to get away from the cold weather in Iowa. They first moved to Oakland and then settled in Stockton. At the age of 17, Michael left high school and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1949. Michael fought in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in November & December, 1950. The epic battle was fought in minus 30-degree weather with the 15,000 allies suffering 12,000 in casualties including more than 3,000 KIA, 6,000 WIA, plus thousands of severe frostbite cases. A total of 17 Medals of Honor, 70 Navy Crosses plus many Distinguished Service Crosses were awarded for the campaign, the most for a single battle in U.S. military history. Mike was awarded the Korean Service Medal w/5 Bronze Camp Stars, Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
After returning from the war, Mike returned to school and graduated from Stockton College High School in 1953. Michael worked for PG&E for 38-1/2 years. He began his career working on the gas crew and ending as a Pressure Operator for the gas department. He served two terms as the president of the PSEA retirees group and was in charge of marinating the crab for their annual crab feeds for over 20 years! He also helped found a PG&E Retirees RV group called Gold Country Rovers.
Michael had two brothers, Milo (& Toni) Kvidera of Grants Pass, Oregon and Marion (Lefty) (& Dawna) Kvidera of Fernley, Nevada. On April 18, 1954, Michael married Marilyn Hawkins of Lodi. They had two children, Dianna (Perry) Beesinger of Valley Springs, their children, Steven & Andrea (Jeremy) Olson. Andrea blessed her grandpa with twin great-grandchildren, Ethan & Emilia whom he loved dearly. His son David (Kim & Julie) lives in Salem, Oregon. His children are Brad (& Emily) Kvidera & daughter Jessica.
In the late 80’s Mike and Marilyn moved to Valley Springs to enjoy their retirement and they later purchased property at Eagle Lake in Northern California where they enjoyed their summers fishing and visiting with friends. After 53 years of marriage he lost Marilyn to kidney disease. Soon after Marilyn’s passing, Mike reconnected with a high school sweetheart, Genevieve (Genny) Carter. They married in 2008 after she lost her first husband of 53 years. She has two daughters, Susan Carter and Bettyjean Carter West both of Oregon. Mike and Genny enjoyed the Eagle Lake property, and traveling to Korean War veteran reunions for the six years they got to spend together.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Mike’s name to his church, Tri-Lakes Baptist Church, 7999 Wards Ave, Wallace, CA 95252, (209) 763-5217.
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VISITATION
A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICES
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., following the Visitation, at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 and Harney Lane, Lodi, CA 95240.