Kenneth Elvin Hovland

Kenneth Hovland, 91 of Fergus Falls died Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. Kenneth Elvin Hovland was born August 23, 1921 to John and Alma (Meslow) Hovland in Wyndmere, ND. He graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1940 and worked for North American Creamery and started as a volunteer for the Fergus Falls Fire Department. He joined the US Army in August 1942 and was part of the Army Air Corps. He was honorably discharged in January 1946. Kenneth was united in marriage to Martha Merila on November 19, 1950 in Minneapolis at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple made their home in Fergus Falls where they built a house on West Douglas. Ken began a long career with the Fergus Falls Fire Department from May 1946 through December 1985. He was the secretary/treasurer for Northwest Regional Firefighters Association for 25 years. He was a life member of the MN State Fire Chief's Association. Ken served as Regional Director of Minnesota State Fire Department Association for 21 years and also was their treasurer for 8 years. Ken was the first full-time Fire Chief to serve the city of Fergus Falls, which he did for 25 years. He was an active member of LRHC cardiac rehab program and served as a court bailiff in his retirement. Ken enjoyed golfing, woodworking, doing handyman projects and was active assisting with the various activities at Zion Lutheran Church. He served in various capacities at the church, including a Sunday School teacher. He was also active with the Food Shelf and Salvation Army. Ken is survived by his wife, Martha of Fergus Falls; two daughters, Irene (Jim) Stecher of Poinciana, FL and Nancy (Ken) Nelson of The Woodlands, TX; one son, Mark (Priscilla) Hovland of Fergus Falls; three granddaughters, Anna and Amy Nelson and Amber Hovland; two grandsons, Travis (Beth) Jones and Matthew (Stefanie) Jones; two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Mason Jones; siblings, John Hovland of Dalton and Doug (Carol) Hovland, Lorraine (Kermit) Kastella and Ann Butkus all of Fergus Falls; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Alma Hovland; siblings, Joe Hovland, Lincoln Hovland, Alice Olson, Marjorie Jenson, Hubert Hovland and June Weseman. Funeral Services: 11 AM, Saturday, June 15, 2013, Zion Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls Visitation: 5-8 PM, Friday, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls and one hour prior to the service at the church Clergy: Rev Stan Satre Military Rites: American Legion Post 30 and VFW Post 612 Cemetery: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Condolences: www.GlendeNilson.com