Darrel Richard "Rich" Hovde , 38, Minot, formerly of Mandan, died Sunday, July 20, 2008 near Petersburg, North Dakota from injuries sustained in a work related accident.

Darrel Richard Hovde was born March 17, 1970 in Minot, to Darrel & Judith (Hanson)Hovde.

He has been known as Rich to his family and friends, but enjoyed being called Darrel.

Rich attended schools in Minot and graduated in 1988 from Minot High School. He was on the wrestling team in junior high and high school until his senior year when he lost a kidney while free-styling on his bike. Prior to that he loved doing tricks with his bike, often using a 12-foot high ramp. He had no fear.

In 2006, Rich 'graduated' from Teen Challenge, a faith-based alcohol/drug program, in Mandan, ND. His life changed through this experience, through the Word of God. He worked for Teen Challenge for about a year and a half after graduation. He then was employed with Ressler Siding in Mandan for about a year and recently had gone back to tower maintenance work. At the time of his death he was working for Allstate Towers. Rich had said that he felt closer to Heaven when he was up on the towers.

Rich enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on vehicles, and drawing. Rich had a great sense of humor, artistic flare and also had the knack of being able to fix almost anything that needed repair.

Rich is survived by his parents; his son Alex, Lake Havasu City, AZ, sister, Cherie (Mike) Blessum, their children Rachel & Jay, and a brother, Jason (Jenelle), Longwood, FL. He is also survived by his 'Aunty' Connie (Gardell) Giffey and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents.

Funeral service: Friday, July 25, at 10:30 at First Lutheran Church in Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.