Russell J. Hovde, 87, of Fontana, died April 9, 2015, at the Golden Years Care Center in Walworth.
Russell was born Oct. 27, 1927, at Madison, to parents Ingvald and Joseffa (Anderson) Hovde. He proudly served his country serving in the United States Navy during the final days of World War II. He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Dunn on Feb. 24, 1951, at Madison. It was in Madison that he received his Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Wisconsin. Russell was a banker with Continental Bank in Chicago, retiring after 55 years. During his retirement years, he was active as a land developer.
Russell was active in his community serving as a trustee for Fontana, in the development of Black Point Preserve on Lake Geneva and serving as chairman of the Board for a time, Director of Field operations for the Lake Geneva Association; and was the editor of the Geneva Lake Guardian.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, of Walworth; children, David and wife Betsy Hovde, of Appleton, and Martha and husband Craig Halma of Walworth; his siblings, Jean Owen, of Grays Lake, Ill.; JoAnne and husband Don Piepenburg, of Madison; and Glenn and wife Miriam Hovde of Madison, Ill.; grandchildren, Michael Hovde, of Appleton, Grace Hovde, of Madison, Lauren Hovde, of Stevens Point, Elisa Halma, of Los Angeles, Kirsten Halma, of Madison, Craig Alex Halma Jr., of Walworth; and great granddaughter, Olivia Hovde, of Appleton. Russell was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Donald.
Services for Russell Hovde will be 11 a.m. Friday, at the Toynton Funeral Home in Walworth with Rev. Roger Harris, officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, also at the funeral home. Inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park at Monona.
Memorials may be directed to the Hovde Foundation – 122 West Washington – Madison, WI 53703.
