David Stanton Hovda

David Hovda, of Clara City, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at his home in Clara City at the age of 86.

Memorial services will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara City with Pastor Joel Gueningsman officiating. Services will be recorded and livestreamed, to view the livestream please visit. https://www.facebook.com/immanuellutheranclaracity

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Clara city and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Arrangements are with Anderson - TeBeest Funeral Home of Montevideo. www.andersontebeest.com

David Stanton Hovda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at the age of 86. He was born in Montevideo, MN to Olaf and Gladys (Holien) Hovda and grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work—and probably how to negotiate with stubborn livestock. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1957. He milked cows and did chores before and after school. He loved 4-H, band, choir, and was involved in many school and church activities. He joined the Army National Guard after high school, and he attended non-commissioned officer training and graduated in 1958. He continued Officer Candidate School, graduating in 1959. He continued Active Duty until 1963.

David ran the family farm until 1992, tending to livestock and running grain operations. Throughout his lifetime, he earned his pilot’s license, broker’s license, residential and commercial real estate license, and his auctioneer’s license. He had a love of learning, and he read encyclopedias for fun. In 1966, he earned Chippewa County Conservation Farmer of the Year. Always the caretaker, he took care of his parents and his uncle until their deaths in the late 1970’s. He was always willing to help out a neighbor or friend-day or night- in exchange for a cup of coffee and baked goods.

In 1983, David married Ann Bonadeo and gained two children, Kristina and Corey, whom he loved dearly. Their daughter, Katherine, was born in 1985. He was the loudest cheerleader at his children and grandchildren’s events, never missing a chance to shout encouragement. His health was often precarious, but thanks to Katherine’s kidney donation in 2008, the family enjoyed 18 more years of his stories and laughter.

Faith was central to David’s life. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Wang Lutheran Church in Maynard, MN. He served on the Wang church board and taught Sunday School. He was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Clara City for 40 years, singing in choirs and serving as songleader until his health declined. David was famous for his ‘gift of gab’—if you had time (or even if you didn’t), he had a story.

David is survived by his wife: Ann; daughters, Kristina (Jamal) Jameson, of Cottage Grove, MN, and Katherine (Barry) Schwitters of Maynard; and his grandchildren Justine, Rainna, and Mesa Jameson, Tia and Bo Schwitters.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Olaf and Gladys Hovda; Uncle Anton Hovda; son Corey Ervin; brother and sister-in-law Clayton and Judy Hovda, and sister and brother-in-law Roma and Bob Solberg. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Immanuel Lutheran Church Youth Fund, MACCRAY Schools Music Department, or CentraCare-Willmar Hospice.