Donald “Donnie” Hovden

Monday, July 31, 2017 4:32 pm

Donald “Donnie” Hovden, 84, of Burr Oak, died Friday, July 14, 2017, at his home. Services were at 11 a.m. July 17, at Madison Lutheran Church, rural Ridgeway, with Pastor Jeff Hansen officiating. Pianist was Cindy Hovey. Hymns were “Borning Cry,” “Peace In The Valley” and “How Great Thou Art.” Solo was “On Eagles Wings” ( Nicolette O’Niell). Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah. Casket bearers were Garrett Bohr, Dan McCabe, JD White, Payton Haynes, Austin Sutton, Tanner Illingworth, Ben Branderhorst and Zach Fromm. Interment was at Madison Lutheran Cemetery, Ridgeway.

Donald Dean Hovden was born Dec. 17, 1932, the son of Carmen and Myrtle (Haugen) Hovden in rural Winneshiek County. He was baptized at the Madison Lutheran Church Jan. 15, 1933, and confirmed at the Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in 1947. At the age of nine, he started farming with his siblings after the loss of their father. Donald graduated from Decorah High School in 1951 and, after graduation, enlisted in the United States Army where he served in Korea from 1951 to 1953. Donald was also with the Army Reserves until 1961. Donald met Ina Marshall at Matters Ball Room and they were married Jan. 12, 1958, at Lime Springs Methodist Church. He and Ina farmed near Burr Oak with the help of their four daughters. Donald retired at the age of 62. Donald loved his antique tractors and machinery. In the early years Donald also enjoyed pulling with his Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor in tractor pulls around the area. He enjoyed going to the Hay Market, working for a short time for the Winneshiek Coop, playing cards, telling jokes and visiting with his friends. Donnie had a laugh and smile that would brighten a room. He was a member of the Madison Lutheran Church, Helof Holm VFW No. 1977 and the Mabel American Legion, Joseph B. Lund Post No. 299. Donald received the Quilt of Valor on Memorial Day Weekend 2016.

Donnie is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Ina Hovden, Burr Oak; four daughters: Jody (Mark) Noack, Newton; Dianne (Jeff) McCabe, Decorah; Brenda (Bob) Sutton, Decorah and Deb Bohr, Decorah; 11 grandchildren: Nicole Noack, Danielle (Tanner) Illingworth, Michelle (Ben) Branderhorst, Dan (Mandy Ollendieck) McCabe, Leslie (JD) White, Stephanie (Zach) Fromm, Jenna (Payton) Haynes, Austin Sutton, Allissa (fiancé, Rusty Cook) Bohr, Rachel (Tylor Fairchild) Bohr and Garrett (Jaden Severson) Bohr; 10 great-grandchildren: Wally and Marcella Fromm, Harper and Taysom Haynes, Cabe and Lainey White, Brantley McCabe, Ethan and Evelyn Illingworth, and Lillian Branderhorst; Donnie’s siblings and their spouses: Marv Hovden, Decorah, Kay Regan, Waukon, Sarah Otteson, Decorah, Mary (Hubie) Teslow, Decorah, Dorothy (Larry) Brooks, Anamosa, Kate Hovden, Decorah, Georgianne (Duwayne) Schweinefus, Decorah; Ina’s brother, Wayne Marshall, Austin, Minn. and her sister, Jeanette Ludeman and friend, Clair Allen, Grand Meadow, Minn.; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen and Myrtle Hovden; brother, Carmen Hovden; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Ruth Marshall; step-father, Adolph Nordsving; brothers-in-law: Curt Cornelius, Donnie Graves, John Reagan and Dave Otteson; sisters-in-law, Donna Hovden and Barbara Marshall; great-nieces, Connie Regan and Renae Engegretson; and great-nephews, Jake Regan and KJ Hovden.