Harvey Hovland

  Harvey Hovland, age 93, passed away the morning of December 16, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona, with his family at his side. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.

  Harvey Charles Hovland was born on the family farm near Northwood, ND, on June 8, 1930, to Louise (Huus) and Leonard Hovland.  He attended Avon township grade school and graduated from Northwood high school in 1948.  He also attended Augsburg college in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Hanson mechanical Fargo, North Dakota, before returning to the farm in Northwood.

  Harvey met Darlene Hanson at Northwood high school, where they both worked on the high school yearbook.  They were married on March 25, 1950.  For the next 63 years, they were inseparable.  They farmed in the Northwood area for more than 40 years before retiring to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Surprise, Arizona.  Family was always the center of their lives, and their family is blessed to have so many wonderful memories of the farm, lake, desert, and numerous family trips.

  Harvey enjoyed the outdoors.  When not working on the farm, his leisure time was spent hunting, fishing or golfing.  He was a lifelong member of the Ebenezer Lutheran church and served his community on numerous boards and committees.  Harvey was always there for family, friends, and neighbors in need of a helping hand.  He had an uncanny ability to fix almost anything.  Even into his 90’s, he could be found in his garage, troubleshooting technical issues on his car, with a little help from YouTube.  He will be missed by the many who loved and knew him.

  He is survived by his 4 children: Jacquelyn (Bill) DeMars, Westhope, ND;  Valerie Anderson, Mesa, AZ;  Kevin (Dawn) Hovland, Grand Forks, ND; and Beth (Bryan) Wetzel, Fort Collins, CO;  8 grandchildren:  Tami, Misty, Alden, Robert, Madison, Aaron, Katie and Brittany;  7 great grandchildren:  Rachel, Taylor, Halle, Brock, Sennett, Zenon and Estelle;  1 great great grandchild, Macy, and 2 sisters;  Mary Hanson  and Dianne Jewell.

  He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; parents, Louise and Leonard; and sisters, Lorraine Johnson and Arline Payne.