Lloyd Hovelson, age 96, of Gary, Minnesota, died Monday, September 12, 2011 at Bridges Care Community in Ada, Minnesota.

Lloyd Sanford Hovelson was born March 27, 1915, the son of Louie and Selma (Norby) Hovelson on the family farm in Waukon Township near Gary. Lloyd was baptized and confirmed his faith at St. Petri Lutheran Church near Gary. He attended Cheerful Country School then furthered his education at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston. As a young man, Lloyd was employed at a garage in Fargo and also worked delivering coal. In November of 1938, Lloyd was united in marriage to Violet Hagy in Fargo. The couple made their home in the Grand Forks, North Dakota area and began farming. In the 1940's they moved back to Gary and farmed together. From 1982 thru 1992, Lloyd proudly served as a Norman County Commissioner. Following his term, he began operating a sawmill on the farm and enjoyed wood working. Even at the age of 96, Lloyd continued working on the farm and was looking forward to this falls harvest.

Lloyd's true passion was always farming but he also enjoyed taking trips to Canada to visit his extended family. He was an active member of Ness Lutheran Church, serving for a time as president, as well as being a Charter Member of the Gary Lions Club. His favorite past times included watching baseball and visiting with friends and family over a cup of coffee while sharing many stories of the "old days". As much as he liked spending time with his family and friends, Lloyd truly treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lloyd is survived by his son, Vernon (Lois) Hovelson of Gary, MN; a sister, Dorothy (Truman) Tilleraas of North Fargo, ND; two brothers, Hilmer Hovelson of Minneapolis, MN and Russell (Iris) Hovelson of Canyon Lake, TX; two grandchildren, Verona (Stacey) Prestegord of Twin Valley, MN and Christine Dalby of Gary, MN; eight great-grandchildren: Trent, Dalton, Brock, Cody, and Carigen Prestegord and Kelsey, Kierra and Keghan Dalby, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Violet; a son, Gerald; two sisters, Myrtle Erickson and Maxine Larson; three brothers, Orville, Raymond and Charles; and one great granddaughter, Kaila.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, September 17th, 2011 at 11:00 AM in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary, Minnesota. Visitation was Friday, September 16th from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 7 PM at Ness Lutheran Church. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with Jenny Hanson serving as organist. Pallbearers were Stacey Prestegord, Trent, Dalton, Brock, Cody and Carigen Prestegord, and Kelsey, Kierra, and Keghan Dalby.

Interment was in Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.