Vernon Hovdenes

Vernon Hovdenes passed away Monday, December 26, 2022 at the NCHS Care Center in McVille, ND, at the age of 88, leaving behind his wife, Idell, of 30 years.

Vernon, along with his twin sister Vernice, was born at the family farm near Tolna, ND, on June 12, 1934 to Oliver and Emma (Tufto) Hovdenes.  Vernon was raised on the family farm and attended four rural schools.  He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna.  Vernon thoroughly enjoyed farming with his brother, James, and did this the entirety of his life, until his retirement at age 72.  Vernon cherished the farm and sharing stories and experiences from his childhood.  His Christian faith was very important to him.  Vernon farmed many acres and took great care of everything farm related.  Vernon was a gentle man who lived a quiet life.  He could be found wearing a flannel shirt, blue jeans, work boots, cap, and he liked bolo ties.  At the age of 58, Vernon married Idell Bjornstad on November 14, 1992.  With this unity of marriage, Vernon gained 5 children and many grandchildren.  Vernon and Idell were very rarely apart.  They loved to go dancing, attending threshing bees, Valley City Winter Show, playing cards, traveling, and visiting with their many friends, neighbors, and family.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Idell; twin sister, Vernice Eskildsen of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law, Viola Hovdenes of Tolna, ND; 4 nieces, Marsha (Keith) Anderson of West Fargo, ND, Connie (David) Jarrett of Moorhead, MN, Sandra (Steven) Otteson of Fargo, ND, and Kendy (Clayton) Quam of Tolna, ND; 3 nephews, Wesley Eskildsen of Fargo, ND, Glenn (Shelley) Eskildsen of Santee, CA, and Kip (Michelle) Hovdenes of Tolna, ND; 4 step-children, Landis Bjornstad of Lake Wales, FL, Vangie (Wayne) Jorde of Dickinson, ND, Tammy (Kraig) Tweed of Decorah, IA, and David Bjornstad of Grand Forks, ND; 10 step-grandchildren; 21 step-great grandchildren; several great nieces and great nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver & Emma; brother, James; brother-in-law, Bill Eskildsen; step-son, Terry Bjornstad; step-daughters-in-law, Kathy Bjornstad and Jennie Bjornstad; step-great granddaughter, Ava Jorde; and grandson-in-law, Brandon Stevenson.

The Funeral Service for Vernon will be held at Sigdal Lutheran Church, rural Tolna, ND, on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the spring at the McVille Cemetery, McVille, ND.  Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

We would like to say thank you to the Nelson County Health System staff and doctors for their great care of Vernon.

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