Twyla Aurora Julianna Hovelsrud, age 90, of Fertile, MN, passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at Riverview Health in Crookston, MN.
Twyla was born on August 4, 1930, in rural Fertile, MN, the daughter of the late Elmer and Julia (Erlandson) Hanson. She grew up on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Fertile High School. On June 2, 1948, Twyla was united in marriage to Morris “Morrie” Hovelsrud in Crookston. After living in Crookston for 2 years the couple moved to Fairfax Township where together they raised their 3 children: Cheryl, Pam, and David, in a very loving home. For many years Twyla and Morrie enjoyed playing whist with their Fairfax neighbors and friends. 
During her working career, Twyla was employed in retail, sold advertising, did secretarial work at Crookston Central High School, and served as bookkeeper for a few businesses including their own, Morrie’s Standard Service. Until her retirement, Twyla was employed in various roles at the Irishman’s Shanty for several years. In her free time, she loved to read, craft, travel, fish, tend to her flower garden, and spend time with family and friends at the lake. Sadly, Morrie passed away on June 24, 2018, and soon after Twyla became a resident of Fair Meadow Assisted Living in Fertile.
Twyla is survived by her 3 children and their spouses: Cheryl and Samuel Hartman of Waynesville, NC, Pam and Doug Sorensen of Mentor, MN, and David and Emelia Hovelsrud of Park Rapids, MN; 9 grandchildren: Todd (Deanne) Strausbaugh, Troy Strausbaugh, Marc (Jeni) Sorensen, Paul (Yumiko) Sorensen, Daniel Hovelsrud, Maija Hovelsrud, Thelma Jepsen, Astvaldur Gujonsson, and Vignir Hovelsrud; 8 great-grandchildren: Nick (Angela), Tom (Rachel), Ben, Kalyn, Gage, Cole, Ella, and Tyeki; 6 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Lois Bagley of Crookston, MN and Joan Westlake of Detroit Lakes, MN; and several nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by Morrie, her beloved husband of 70 years; parents, Elmer and Julia Hanson; sister, Sanchia Engstrom; niece, Deanne; nephew, Rick; and from Morrie’s family: parents-in-law, Lawrence and Anne Hovelsrud, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Blessed be the memory of Twyla Hovelsrud.
Twyla’s life will be celebrated at a graveside memorial service to be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021, in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, MN, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:30-2:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed by going to Twyla’s obituary at www.stenshoelhouske.com and scrolling to the bottom of the page to click on the prompt to view. Attendees are asked to bring sunglasses, lawn chairs, and umbrellas. After the service, all are invited for light refreshments to be served at the Irishman’s Shanty.
Online registration and messages of condolence may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
