Walter John Hovland

Walter “Sonny” John Hovland, 80, of Nelson, WI died Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Advent Health in Durand, WI. He was born July 27, 1942 in Pepin County, WI; son of Walter and Eldora (McKernon) Hovland.

He attended Spring Creek School. Walt then joined the United States Air Force. Following his service in the Air Force, he worked at The Creamery in Alma. He then worked as a Deputy with the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, worked as a dispatcher at Mills Trucking and then retired from Martin Transport.

In 1960 he married Shirley Davis. Together they had four children, John, Walt, Connie and Pat. They later divorced.

In 1969 he married Nancy Kuehn. Together they had a daughter, Cindy. They later divorced.

Walt then married Margaret Brown and together they had a daughter, Natasha. They later divorced.

Walt enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing, gardening and loved family get togethers.

He is survived by his children, John (Renee) Hovland of Durand, Walt (Chrissy) Hovland of Pennsylvania, Connie (Pete) Anderson of Arkansaw, Pat (Bob) Cataract of Durand, Cindy (Jim) Huber of Alma, and Natasha Hovland of Black River Falls; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Seipel of Pepin, Phyllis Lee of Durand; brother, Randy (Nancy) Hovland of Durand; brother-in-law, David Hayden; special friend, Dianna Cooper; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara “Boots” Hayden; niece, Stephanie Rothbun; brother-in-law, Daniel Seipel; former wives, Shirley and Nancy.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 17, 2023 from 5:00- 7:00 pm at Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand. A prayer service will be held at 6:45 pm followed by military honors.

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