Donald Brent Hovden

Donald's Prayer Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3804131
His Memorial Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3812822

His tribute video may be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/LM49B6RTYH8MR9GM

Donald Brent Hovden, a loving and caring husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, left this world suddenly on October 16, 2023, at age 67. His giving heart touched many throughout his life.

Don, or Donnie as he was known by many, was born to Charles and Ruth (Nedberg) Hovden on March 28, 1956. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church and was a student and played sports in the Fargo schools, graduating from Fargo North High School in 1974. Don attended North Dakota State University before spending the next 40 years as a buyer and salesman for Straus.

Don was easy to spot. His large stature made him easy to notice around town, but it was his even larger heart and gregarious nature that really endeared him to so many people. His friends and family were always amazed that he seemed to know "everybody," and there were few places he went where he didn't know somebody. He simply loved people and they loved him.

Don was always moving. He just couldn't sit still. He loved spending time with family and friends, watching his son, Brent, participate in sports and his various activities, or just taking the family dogs, Gus and Gracie, to the dog park. He was so passionate about his yard and mowing that, often, he would end up doing some of his neighbor's yards as well. But it was at the Oxbow golf course, where he could relax and unwind, that he ended up meeting the love of his life, Kim Brakke.

While his family and friends are shocked by his passing, they are thankful that 18 years, after a massive heart attack, he was given the gift of life as a heart transplant recipient. Don never forgot how blessed he was, and for the rest of his life, educated countless groups and individuals on the importance of organ donations.

Grateful to have shared Don's life are his wife of 28 years, Kim, and son, Brent. Don will also be deeply missed by his brother, Doug (Dawn); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; father and mother-in-law, Gordon and Shirley Brakke; both sets of grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Don will be missed by many. Those who would like to honor him with a memorial contribution are asked to contribute to the First Lutheran Church, Life Source, or a charity of their choice.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., Thursday, October 19, at Hanson-Runsvold in Fargo. A Celebration of Don's life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 20, at First Lutheran Church - Fargo. Burial will be in Comstock Lutheran Cemetery in Comstock, MN.