Thomas Hovland

1952 - 2026

Thomas Hovland

August 13, 1952 - January 5, 2026

Thomas Hovland, 73, of Mason City passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026 at his home.

A Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dan Gerrietts officiating. Committal services will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, January 9, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City.

Thomas Leroy Hovland was born August 13, 1952 to LeRoy (Babe) Hovland and Betty (Hale) Hovland in Mason City.

Tom had so many great accomplishments in his life, but his most cherished ones were being husband of 29 years to Barbara, dad to Michael and Melissa and Papa to Roman and Luca.

He graduated from Mason City High School in 1971. When he was 16, and most other kids were playing sports, he started his entrepreneurial career by renting a small garage on the north end of town and started a machine shop. His love of cars and racing, was from a very early age.

Over 40 years in business, he grew to 15 NAPA stores in three states. He took great pride in employing over 150 people with many of them being family to him. After selling the NAPA stores in 2014, he continued to run his property development company.

His racing accomplishments as a champion NHRA Funny car race driver were what only few make reality. He raced with the likes of Don Garlits, Don Prudhomme and John Force. His crew was small, but they were the best of the best. He had a love of aviation as well and became an instrument rated pilot.

Tom served over 24 years as a commissioner and 10 years as chair of the Mason City airport commission; he was named Iowa small businessman of the year; served on executive bank boards and corporate boards. He was the force that started the NIACC automotive department and served as the advisory chair for 20+ years.

Memorials may be given in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church or NIACC Foundation.

Tom was a very humble man and a man of deep faith.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Michael and (Jillian) Clough, Melissa and (Robert Schick) Clough; grandchildren, Roman and Luca Schick; mother and father-in-law, Jack and Kay Colby; sister, Luanne (John) Meehan; sisters-in-law, Julie (Keith) Kruger, Cindy (Mark) Merkel; several nieces and nephews and so many loving friends who were family to him.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel

126 3rd St. NE

Mason City, IA 50401

ColonialChapels.com

(641) 423-2372