Leslie Hovland

Leslie Dean Hovland, 57, of Fergus Falls, died Monday, January 17, 2011, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls due to complications from a heart attack and pneumonia. He was born March 8, 1953, in Hennepin County, Minnesota. At the age of three he was adopted by Melvin and Alice (Svendsgaard) Hovland of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota on February 21, 1956. He was baptized and confirmed at Tonseth Lutheran Church in rural Erhard, Minnesota. He attended school at Pelican Rapids High School, graduating in 1971. In 1972 Les entered the U. S. Navy, serving for a short time until his honorable discharge for medical reasons. Leslie worked at West Central Turkey Plant in Pelican Rapids and on the family farm for about ten years. At the age of 28 he moved to Alaska where he worked for Peter Pan Seafoods in the canneries, in boats, and on land. In later years he did janitorial services. He returned home from Alaska on October 31, 1997, due to his father's serious illness. On September 12, 1998 Les began employment services at Productive Alternatives. On February 13, 1999, while walking downtown Les was struck from behind by a van. He was rendered unconscious and admitted to Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. Upon improvement, he was transferred to MeritCare in Fargo, ND, and later to the Trevilla Rehab Center in Robbinsdale, MN. While at Trevilla he suffered a heart attack on June 13, 1999. He was transferred to the Good Samaritan Center in Pelican Rapids on August 2, 1999 to be closer to family. Les was a member of Tonseth Lutheran Church. He enjoyed music, sports, and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. Preceding him in death was his father, Melvin, in May of 1998. Survivors include his mother, Alice Hovland, and his sister, Connie Hovland, both of Fergus Falls; as well as nieces and nephews and numerous friends. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2011 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Chaplain Harry Olson and Allen Westby Interment: Tonseth Cemetery, rural Erhard Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls