James W. “Buck” Hovland, age 69 of Durand, died Friday, February 16, 2024 at University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Buck was born on December 20, 1954 in Durand. He was the son of James L. and Kathryn (Metcalf) Hovland. Buck grew up in Durand and graduated from Durand High School in 1973. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973, he did his boot camp at Camp Pendelton in San Diego, CA and served in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1975.

Buck was friends with everyone he met. He loved the corps, baking, football, basketball and could be found at the golf course most days in the summer. Buck enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially getting together for game night.

Buck leaves to cherish his memory, his love Lynette “Sparky” Dovell of Durand, children, Jason (Gina) of Downers Grove, IL, Sarah Anderson of Wisconsin Rapids, Chris (Michelle) Perry of Lake Wissota and Shannon Perry of Prescott, eight grandchildren, Levi, Marlowe, Emma, Alaina, Coltyn, Keegan, Emma and Aleena, siblings, Mary (Gary) Pfeiffer and Jon Hovland, both of Durand, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Myrna Anderson and brother, Robert “Bob” Hovland.

A Limb has Fallen

A limb has fallen from the family tree,

I keep hearing a voice that says “Grieve not for me.”

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, now I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t just stare at the wall.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin,

Until the day comes we’re together again.

Visitation will be 4:00PM-7:00PM Friday, February 23, 2024 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00PM Noon-3:00PM Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Orton Room at the Corral Bar in Grill in Durand. Burial will be in the Maxville Cemetery with Military Honors on a nice warm day.

Memorials are preferred in Buck’s name to the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Mitch Schruth February 29, 2024, at 7:45pm

   My deepest sympathies to Bucks family...I have a LOT of great memories of playing softball and golf with Buck over the years, particularly when he would share his home with some of us during softball tournaments. We always had SO much fun competing together. He will be greatly missed.

2. Deanna (Burrack) Stromme February 24, 2024, at 11:41am

   Another classmate gone too soon DHS "73" Thoughts and prayers to family

3. Ted Bauer February 24, 2024, at 9:22am

   So sorry to hear about Buck. Always considered Buck a true friend. I will miss seeing him at the golf course. My deepest sympathy to your family from our family.

4. Randy and Alice stein February 23, 2024, at 3:58pm

   Our Condolences. On your Loss!!

5. Brenda Blunt February 23, 2024, at 2:46pm

   Lynette, Chris and the whole family I was truly sorry to learn of Buck’s passing. I am praying that God comforts all of you and brings you peace. I have some great memories that already cherished and they are truly now that much more precious to me. Love you all. Brenda.

6. Crystal Dow February 23, 2024, at 11:54am

   I'm so sorry to hear the news...you have my sympathy...RIP BUCK..

7. dennis brantner February 23, 2024, at 9:11am

   I played a lot of golf with Buck. He was fun to be around. He will be missed by a lot of us,

8. Steven and Bebe Pittman February 22, 2024, at 7:19am

   Our condolences to the family. Buck and I were classmates at DHS 1973. After all these year, we never crossed paths.
   Steven and Bebe Pittman

9. Kathy Dahl February 21, 2024, at 8:07pm

   Buck was so very kind to my family and I really appreciated his thoughtfulness and support when my parents and brother died. I never forgot that kindness. I know he loved his family and was loved right back.

10. Barry Bauer February 21, 2024, at 2:47pm

    My condolences to the family.
    We were classmates at DHS, and served in the Marine Corps - were both deployed to Okinawa and Japan, yet never crossed paths. Semper Fi Buck.

11. Jay Romano & Linda Elliott February 21, 2024, at 12:12pm

    Our condolences to you and the family. Buck will be in our hearts forever

12. Joanne Hovey February 20, 2024, at 12:15pm

    Very sorry for the loss of family and friends

13. Delrita Bignell February 20, 2024, at 10:29am

    So sorry to hear of Bucks passing. He was a classmate of mine and a friend. Condolences to all family, your in my prayers.

14. Susan Johnson February 20, 2024, at 10:14am

    So sorry for you loss Lynette. Prayers for you and the family.

15. Nick and Sue Sperger February 20, 2024, at 9:55am

    We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Buck. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    ????????????

16. Bob Biederman February 20, 2024, at 9:09am

    Sparky and Family, so sorry to hear about Buck. Going to miss seeing him at the golf course. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

17. John and Judy Parr February 20, 2024, at 7:44am

    Prayers with you

18. Valerene Cataract February 19, 2024, at 7:22pm

    So very sorry for all the family of Buck, great guy.

19. Tim Carlisle February 19, 2024, at 5:11pm

    So sorry to hear the sad news, hugs and prayers for the family

20. Marsha Mcmahon Sullivan February 19, 2024, at 4:55pm

    I was a classmate of Bucks, he was a great athlete and person. Sending prayers for his family.

21. Terry & Connie Weber February 19, 2024, at 4:54pm

    So very sorry to hear of Buck's passing. Sending sympathy & prayers to you all.

22. Amy Black February 19, 2024, at 4:41pm

    Lynette, I am so sorry to hear of Buck’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs

23. Georgene Sobottka February 19, 2024, at 4:35pm

    We are so sorry for your loss!! I’ve known Buck since he was a young kid he’d come to our house all the time with my brother Todd. Prayers and thoughts are with the family ????????????????

24. Justin Andersin February 19, 2024, at 4:14pm

    Rest in peace Devil Dog! Always enjoyed our times together. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

25. Connie weiss February 19, 2024, at 3:32pm

    Sorry for your loss. He will be missed.Hugs and prayers ???? ❤️ sent.

26. Carolynn Winn February 19, 2024, at 2:52pm

    Sorry for you loss.

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