Gary Lynn Hovde, 72, Minot, died Monday, March 31, 2014, in an Ellendale, ND nursing home.

Gary was born July 10, 1941, in Minot, ND to George and Emily (Petersen) Hovde. He was educated in country schools, Minot Public School System and graduated from Ryder High School in 1959. As a young adult, he gained employment at the Minot Air Force Base as a civil employee.

Gary was united in marriage to Linda K. Nechiporenko on December 3, 1962 in Minot. They made their home in Denver, CO for six years. While in Denver, he received his pilot's license and it was a hobby that he loved for many years. Gary was always happy to give plane rides and during the flight when you heard, "it's time to buzz the farm," you soon regretted your choice in pilots.

They returned to Minot in 1969, when he became store manager for Tempo. While managing the T-bird store for Peavy and UBC, Gary received many awards for 'Top in sales' and 'Excellence in Management.' He was always proud of his little store in Minot because it performed better than 120 stores in the company. Gary retired from retail in 1995 and started a career in heavy construction. After 5 years of being an oiler, Gary retired from work due to an injury. Gary also farmed and ranched in Linton Township of Ward County during his working years.

Gary was a member of First Lutheran Church, Eagle's Aerie, Moose Lodge and the American Legion, all of Minot. Gary's love of music was with him his entire life. He sang and played guitar in his band, 'Country 3.' They played for many weddings, street dances and YMCA rodeos. He favored fishing and his annual fishing trips to Canada along with caring for the farm and cattle as his pastimes. Hard work, dedication and family are the legacy of Gary Hovde. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

His family includes loving wife of 51 years, Linda Hovde, Minot; son, Terry (Kathy) Hovde, Minot; grandchildren, Calvin and Russell Hovde; sisters, Sharon (Chuck) Kellett, Minneapolis, MN and Sheilah (Bryon) Schenfisch, Minot, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Carson Hovde and brother Rodger Hovde.

Remembering Gary Hovde's Life: 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014, at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot
Visitation: Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers, memorials are preferred to the Souris Valley Humane Society or to an organization of the donor's choice.

To view a webcast of Gary\'s Service, please copy and paste the link listed below directly to your browser.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/first-lutheran-minot-nd