Russell H. Hoveland

Russell H. Hoveland, age 93, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Skaalen Home in Stoughton.   He was born on the family home farm in McFarland on July 22, 1916, a son of the late Albert & Sophia (Rinden) Hoveland.   On April 6, 1937, he was united in marriage to Adeline Simpson in Rockford, IL.   Along with his brothers Milo and Atwood, Russell owned and operated Hoveland Brothers Construction, specializing in excavation.  He was a long time member of McFarland Lutheran Church, where he served on the Church Council and as an usher.   He was a member of Commonwealth Masonic Lodge #325, served on the McFarland Village Board, and was a charter member of the McFarland Lions Club.   Music was his hobby, and Russell started playing the banjo at age 16 with his brothers and sister Norma as the Arizona Cowboys.   They played many area dances and weddings, and were later known as the Hoveland Brothers Band.   Russell and Adeline were inseparable.   You never saw one without the other.   They enjoyed traveling, dancing and family gatherings on the lake together.   Russell loved baseball, and played in his younger years.   He followed the Brewers, Packers and Badgers.   Russell will be remembered for his kindness, honesty, fairness, gentleness and optimism.   He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and had unconditional love for his family.      He is survived by 3 daughters, Nancy (Eddy) Seils, Diane (Loren) Moen and Judy (Don) Brown; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters in law, Mona Hoveland, Jeanette Hoveland and Hattie Simpson; and nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his wife Adeline; 2 sisters, Gladys and Norma; and 2 brothers, Atwood and Milo.   Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:30 pm at Skaalen Chapel, 400 N. Morris St., Stoughton, with the Rev. Jerry Pribbenow and the Rev. James Koza officiating.   The family will greet friends at Skaalen Chapel on Tuesday from 11:30am until the time of service. Following services, a luncheon will be held at Vennevoll Clubhouse, then burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.   Special thanks to the staff of Comfort Care, Unit 1 and Heritage 2 at Skaalen Home, especially Mary George' and Delores.   Memorials may be made to Skaalen Home.   To Mother, ""I'll hold you in my heart til I can hold you in my arms""'