Ernest Milford Hovland

Ernest Hovland, age 97, of Pelican Rapids, MN, died Sunday, September 8, 2019 at Pelican Valley Health Center, Pelican Rapids, MN. Ernest Milford was born October 28, 1921 at home near Rothsay, MN, to Joseph and Alma (Haga) Hovland. He attended country school near Rothsay, MN, he was drafted then Joseph suffered a stroke and Ernest received a deferment to stay and help on the farm. On January 22, 1948 Ernest was united in marriage with Darlene Stephenson at the South Immanuel parsonage. Ernest owned and operated the family farm for many years. Ernest loved dancing and watching the grandchildren dance, he was well-known for teaching the chicken dance. He enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren and attending their activities. He was a member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on every position of the board. He was also a board member of North Immanuel Squares. He was a member of the Norwegian Grove Township board for more than 50 years and served on Park Region board from 1972 – 2011. Ernest is survived by 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; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Jeanette Hovland, Janice (Lloyd) Alm, Arlys Engen, Sharon Cook, and JoAnn (Bruce) Emerson; brother-in-law:, Orland (Nettie) Stephenson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Darlene, brothers: Leonard and LeRoy Hovland; sisters: Myrtle, Eunice, Viola, Ethel and Alice.   Visitation: Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 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. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 12, 2019, at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Clergy: Pastor Ethan Fearing Burial: North Immanuel Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids, Minnesota Please keep the Hovland family in our thoughts and prayers. Ernest's Memorial Folder