Stanley Hovdestad

Stanley M. Hovdestad, 82, formerly of Tucson, AZ died on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay, with his wife, Wendy at his side.

He was born on October 18, 1938 to Anton and Olivia (Thompson) Hovdestad in Moorhead, MN where he grew up.  Stanley graduated from Park Rapids High School before enlisting in the Army, serving in the 101st Airborne Division.  After suffering injuries from a parachute accident, Stan was honorably discharged and returned home and worked as a meat cutter & manager.  He later moved to Tucson, AZ and spent more than 20 years working in the dental field. Stan met Wendy (Fleck) Salakka in Tucson and were married in Hawaii. Together they enjoyed 29 years of marriage.

Together they owned and operated 5R Ranch in southern Arizona where Stan loved to work with the cattle and tend the orchard with his favorite cattle dog, Max.

Stans greatest achievement was knowing the Lord and living every day in the Glory of God. Stan enjoyed traveling, and to strengthen his bond with the Lord he traveled to Mexico on mission trips, and to Israel where he and Wendy were baptized in the Jordan river.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 7:8

Stan enjoyed activities in the Evergreen neighborhood at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home. He could be seen singing his heart out at chapel, dancing to live music, playing his favorite game Bingo, and was involved in whatever activities were going on.  Stan was a patriot and loved his family and country.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Renda Adams-Hovdestad; 4 sisters; and 4 brothers.

Stan is survived by the love of his life, Wendy; children Randall, Richard (Terri), Rhonda Millikan, Ronald, Aaron (Bobbi) Salakka, and Trisha (Dan) Scamehorn; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and last surviving brother, Harold.

Stan’s family would like a give a huge THANK YOU to the staff of the Veteran’s Home who treated Stan like family with love, care, and compassion.

Celebration will be held Summer of 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the recreation fund at the Veteran’s Home.