George Emanuel Hovland, 89, of Austin, died Sunday, March 20, 2011, at the Adams Health Care Center, Adams.

George was born March 27, 1921, in Austin, the son of Harald and Olga (Lerum) Hovland. He graduated from Austin High School and went to work for the Geo. A. Hormel Co., where he was employed for 43 years. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following the war, he returned to his job at Hormel Foods.

George was married to Lorraine G. Davidson on Dec. 2, 1950, at the First United Methodist Church in Austin. They made their home in Austin and were members of the First United Methodist Church. He had a number of hobbies including: golfing, refinishing furniture and gardening. George was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching TV and listening to the radio. He also enjoyed time with his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Hovland of Austin; sons and daughter-in-law, Rick (Shelly) Hovland of Waseca and Greg Hovland of Austin; grandchildren: Heidi Hovland, Steven Hovland, Abby Hovland and Grace Hovland; great-granddaughter, Hayden Stadheim; brother, Nathan Hovland of Laguna Hills, Calif.; sisters: Marion Travetto of Austin, Nancy Vaughan of Shakopee and Deanna LeBarron of Worland, Wyo.; nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Fran Davidson and family and brother-in-law, Blaine Braaten and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harald and Olga Hovland; twin brother, Arthur and brothers: Dean, David, Orlo and Emery Hovland.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Patricia M. Toschak officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10 a.m. Thursday until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Adams Health Care Center or to the American Heart Association. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.