Lois Hovelson, age 67, of Gary, MN, died Sunday, May 24, 2015, at Essentia Heath in Fargo, ND.

Lois LaVerne Nissen was born March 15, 1948, the daughter of Martin and Rose (Sorenson) Nissen in Crookston, MN. For the first few years of her life, Lois lived with her family at the Bear Park Store, later moving to the Waukon Store, both near Gary. As a young girl they moved west of Gary where Lois attended school, graduating from Gary High School with the class of 1966. On January 14, 1967, Lois was united in marriage to Vernon "Spunky" Hovelson at St. Petri Lutheran Church, near Gary. To this union two daughters were born, Verona and Christine. The couple made their home on a farm northeast of Gary until the fall of 1978, when they moved into Gary. Over the years Lois drove a van for the Gary school, operated the Gary Café for a few years, and did child care out of her home. Most recently, Lois was employed at H & R Block at the Mahnomen branch as a receptionist and a processer. At the age of 62, Lois retired due to her health.

Lois' favorite pastimes included quilting, canning, making and selling her own crafts, and she especially enjoyed playing bingo! Lois loved being with people and will be long remembered for her famous doughnuts and lefse. She was an active member of Ness Lutheran Church which included holding many positions for the ladies aide, Circle 1, and the WELCA organization. She also remained active with church mission projects while she was at home. Lois was also a former member of PTO at the Gary School. She cherished the time she spent with her friends and family, and truly treasured being with her children and grandchildren.

Lois is survived by her husband of 48 years, Vernon of Gary; two daughters, Verona (Stacey) Prestegord of Twin Valley, MN and Christine Dalby of Crookston, MN; a sister, JoAnn (Morlen) Howard of Bismarck, ND; eight grandchildren: Trent, Dalton, Brock, Cody and Carigen Prestegord and Kelsey, Kierra and Keghan Dalby; step-brothers, Lowell (Marge) Jacobson of Glasgow, MT, Bob (Pat) Jacobson of Redmond, OR, and Daryll (Kay) Jacobson of Wisdom, MT, and a step-sister, Marilyn (Everett) Bjerke of Moorhead, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Thelma, and a granddaughter, Kaila.

Funeral Services were held Friday, May 29, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary. Visitation was Thursday, May 28th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Officiating was Pastor Kelly Ahola with Karen Carlsrud serving as organist and special music provided by Jenny Hanson, Andrew Hanson and Lois' grandchildren. Pallbearers were Trent Prestegord, Dalton Prestegord, Brock Prestegord, Cody Prestegord, Carigen Prestegord, Kelsey Dalby, Kierra Dalby, Keghan Dalby and Jaron Howard. Honorary pallbearers were all friends and family that were in some way touched by Lois.

Interment was in Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.