Obituary of Curtis Arnold Hovland

Curtis Arnold Hovland, 88, died at home surrounded by loving family on November 7, 2023.  Curt is survived by his three children: Karla (Philip) Schot of Forest Grove; Craig Hovland of Federal Way, Washington; and Kevin Hovland of Washington DC.  He was beloved grandfather to Dana Schot, Paul Schot, Charlotte Hovland, and Eli Hovland.  He is survived by his sister Marlene Myking of Tacoma, Washington. Curt was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nola Rae (Hulbert) Hovland and by his sister Karen Kyllo.

Curt was born on August 6, 1935 in Hartland, North Dakota to Selmer and Caroline (Christianson) Hovland.  The family moved to Canby in 1946.  Curt was a gifted athlete, musician and student at Canby High School, graduating in 1953.  He then attended Pacific Lutheran University where he played football.

After graduating from college in 1957, Curt married Nola Rae and moved to Minneapolis to begin a graduate program in physics at the University of Minnesota.  Before completing his program he accepted a position at the Boeing Company where he spent his entire professional career in aerospace.  Curt and Nola raised a family in Des Moines, Washington.  He was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Seattle, Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Messiah Lutheran Church in Vancouver, and Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby.

After retiring from Boeing, Curt enjoyed spending time with family and traveling.  He returned to Canby in 2009, living in Hope Village and volunteering for Meals on Wheels.  He was also the owner of Hulbert's Flowers. 

A memorial service to celebrate Curt's life will be held at 11:00am, January 6, 2024 at Zoar Lutheran Church in Canby, Oregon.  Pastor Michelle Manicke will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Care Partners Hospice in Hillsboro.