Darlene Hovland

Darlene Hovland, age 84, a resident of Pelican Rapids, MN died on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at the Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids.Darlene Lois Stephenson was born on December 9, 1929 in Barnesville, MN the daughter of Melvin and Cora (Dahlen) Stephenson. Darlene was baptized and confirmed at North Immanuel Lutheran Church near Pelican Rapids. She attended district # 12 country school near Barnesville. On January 22, 1948 Darlene was united in marriage with Ernest Hovland at the South Immanuel parsonage. Darlene and Ernest owned and operated a farm for many years. Darlene was also a caretaker for her mother, her sister Marilyn Stephenson, and Ruby Linder. In July of 2012 she entered the Pelican Valley Health Center. Darlene enjoyed gardening, flower gardening, baking, quilting, dancing and traveling with Ernest. She was a life-long member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sunday school teacher, and member of their ladies aid and circle, serving as ladies aid president for a period of time. Darlene enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. Darlene is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ernest of Pelican Rapids; three sons: Everett (Sandy) Hovland, Fergus Falls; Gary (Kathy) Hovland, Pelican Rapids; and Wayne (Dar) Hovland, Pelican Rapids; six grandchildren: Vicki (Jon) Moore, Brian (Kris) Hovland, Torrey (Anne) Hovland, Tracey Hovland, Ben (Katrina) Hovland, and Nic (Jocelyn) Hovland; nine great-grandchildren; five brothers and sisters: Janice (Lloyd) Alm, Hawley, Arlys Engen, Hawley, Orland (Nettie) Stephenson, Moorhead, Sharon Cook, Fargo, and JoAnn (Bruce) Emerson, Baker, MN; sisters-in law: Ethel Goedert and Jeanette Hovland; brother-in-law, Orris Anderson; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Marilyn Stephenson, and brothers-in-law, Orrin Engen and Duane Cook.Visitation: Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2014 at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN.Burial: North Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids, MNClergy: Pastor Curt Tilleraas and Intern Pastor Lucas LadnierFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572