Gerald 'Gerry' Hovland

Gerald Sigurd Hovland (1943-2013) Gerald (Gerry) Sigurd Hovland, 69, of Bozeman, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 5, 2013. Gerry was born on June 19, 1943 to Hardis and Marie Hovland in Minot, ND. He attended Minot Model High School and graduated in 1961. He graduated from Minot State University, Minot, ND and performed graduate work at the University of Idaho, Moscow, ID. He worked for the forest service on the fire lines in Headquarters, ID. He also worked in banking and for many years for Northwestern Mutual Life. Gerry met the love of his life, Marge 20 years ago and they married in 1997. They indulged their passion for antiques by becoming owners and operators of The Attic from 1994 to 2005. Gerry had a very strong Christian faith and loved to sing in church. His family was extremely important to him. He was proud of his kids, grandkids and great-grand kids and loved them with all his heart! Gerry will always be remembered for his passion for music and the great outdoors. He grew up in a household where his father played the piano and he soon learned to do the same. He became an accomplished singer and spent nearly 40 years as a member, director and coach of the Chord Rustlers in Bozeman. He enjoyed his time with different quartets and he would travel to compete with other barbershop quartets and loved the competition and camaraderie. He recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award for directing, coaching and singing in the Chord Rustlers. He also directed the Sweet Adelines and enjoyed being a member and section leader in the Symphonic Choir. He was an avid fisherman and loved to find the “best holes” that no one knew about around Montana. He also enjoyed hunting and would spend time trekking into the back country following elk, deer and antelope in the Montana wilds. It was the adventure of the chase more than anything! His most enjoyable activity, however, was spending time with his family – whether traveling, singing or just sharing a meal. His quirky and kind sense of humor will never be forgotten. He could put a smile on any face and loved to play. He was able to spend a week in March of 2012 in Disneyland with his wife and kids and had the time of his life! He had great friends who cherished these qualities and loved spending time with him. He will always be remembered for his passion for life and his caring for others. Gerry is survived by his loving wife Marge, 7 children, all whom he loved dearly and who enjoyed spending time with him. His daughters and son, Ingrid (Darryl) Jungen of Boise, ID; Anna (Sean) Bresnahan of Spokane, WA; and Jedidiah Hovland of Florence, OR; and Marge’s children; Rob (Tami) Gunsch of Circle, MT, Gretchen (Harvey) Kimm of Manhattan, MT, William (Tara) Gunsch of Belgrade, MT, and Dave Gunsch of East Helena, MT. He had 12 grandchildren that loved spending time with Grandpa; Sarah, Abby, Kieran, Ella Grace, Courtney (Chad), Tony (Destiny), Stephanie (Brandon), Reece, Bridger (Johna), Madison, Nicholas and Hunter. He also had 7 wonderful great grandchildren; Bethany, Tucker, Taylor, Blaiz, Braelynn, Brantley, and Audrey. He is also survived by his sisters; Elizabeth (Ron) Lund of Williston, ND; Lonna Wishon, CO; and Linda Renner, Omaha, NE; brother-in-law; Boniface (Laverne) Frank, Billings, MT; and sister-in-law; Dorothy (Victor) Smiley, Greeley, CO. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Hardis and Marie Hovland; Uncle, Walter Hovde; and Nephew, Marcus Lund. Cremation has already taken place and a memorial service will be at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 12th at the Church of Christ in Belgrade, MT. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Hospice c/o the Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931, Highland Blvd, suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715, or the Alzheimer Association, 322 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Hospice of Southwest Montana for their loving and gentle care. In addition, special thanks are extended to Dr. John Patterson. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service, www.dahlcares.com.