Olga Hovet
Olga M. Hovet was born Oct. 14, 1919, to Thorvald and Emma (Berg) Marsten of rural Watford City. Olga and her twin sister were born at home with her twin passing soon after birth. Olga is the third child of six, having four sisters and one brother. Olga was proud of her Norwegian heritage as a 2nd generation American, growing up speaking Norwegian and teaching Norwegian to those who expressed interest later in life. Olga was even blessed to have the experience of visiting Norway twice in her lifetime.
Olga attended grade school at the rural Wonderland School, high school at the rural Shaw School, and Watford City High School graduating in 1936. In 1939 she received her standard degree in teaching from Minot State and went on to teach rural schools in McKenzie County until her marriage to Walter Hovet on Sept. 21, 1941.
Olga and Walt knew each other as children; both growing up in the farming and Spring Creek Community. They made their home on the Hovet homestead south of Watford City, except for four years at their Charlson farm in the late 40’s. They would live on the farm until 1979 when they moved into Watford City. Ten children were born to them, including 2 sets of twins. There are numerous stories involving the little boys and all of their shenanigans.
Olga resumed her teaching career around 1955 serving in rural McKenzie County Schools, Mandaree, Grassy Butte, and Alexander. During this busy time, she attended summer school and continuing education classes until she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State in 1974. She taught various grades and in later years she taught Title One Special Education and worked as a librarian in Alexander until her retirement in 1984.
A lifetime of teaching in rural McKenzie County left her with entertaining stories of early mornings, bad weather, passengers of all shapes and sizes, and rumors of high speeds to get to school on time. Of course, in Norwegian seriousness, the stories may have been exaggerated by both children and grandchildren. For the record. Olga Hovet was an excellent driver.
Olga gave her heart and time to Spring Creek Lutheran Church in which her parents were charter members. She was baptized on Dec. 20, 1919, and confirmed on Oct. 8, 1933. She was active and involved in the organizations of the Spring Creek Ladies Aide, Sons of Norway Lodge, Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary, Young at Heart Club, Senior Citizens Choir, and McKenzie County Historical Society.
In 2006, Olga sold the Watford City home and moved into an apartment that was doors down from her younger sister Agnes. In 2009 she moved into the Horizon Assisted Living and transitioned into the GSH in 2018.
Olga said it best as she reflected on her life in a 2000 Christmas letter, “I’ve had mostly a happy life and am thankful for countless blessings. I had good encouraging parents who gave me the opportunity to go to college and become a teacher; a wonderful husband; and ten children I wouldn’t give up for a million trillion dollars (although at times I was tempted to give them away). 30 wonderful grandchildren and now five great-grandchildren; many dear relatives and friends. Most of all, I’m thankful for a loving, forgiving, ever-present Savior in Jesus Christ. May He grant you a blessed Christmas and a Happy Year.”
Olga was truly one of the greatest from the greatest generation. Born at the end of World War I during the Spanish Flu pandemic, growing up during the Depression, raising her own family during World War II, and serving a community as her family grew. In her stories of growing up, she was outside herding cattle, not in the kitchen. She was quiet but bright with a fun sense of humor. An avid reader into her late 90’s. An early adaptor of exercise and nutrition she walked as much as she could. She was known for her light meal of an open-faced butter and cheese sandwich with one cookie a day. She was very social and loved to gather to sing, dance, play games, bingo, and cards with her friends, family, and grandchildren. She cheerfully occupied a stool with her coffee friends at Larsen’s Drug for 25 years. She left us with many words of wisdom - do you really need another piece of pie (?), canned foods saved lives, Nursing homes allow independence, read books, walk and be good to yourself and others.
Olga passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 07, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Home in Watford City, N.D.
Olga is survived by her children, Sonja (Einar) Prestangen of Watford City, N.D.; Beverly (Duane) Ashley of Williston, N.D.; Cynthia Rust of Williston, N.D.; Myron (Marcia) Hovet of Watford City, N.D.; Randolph (Vickie) Hovet of Charlo, Mont.; Rebecca (Andrew) Neuman of Drumheller, Alberta; Steven (Paula) Hovet of Greenville, S.C.; Timothy Hovet of Bismarck, N.D.; daughters-in-law, Rita Hovet of Watford City, N.D.; Linda Hovet of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sister, Agnes Winden of Bismarck, N.D.; 30 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and families.
Olga was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Ragna, Edna, Ruby, and Thorleif; beloved husband, Walter; sons, Kurt Hovet and Michael Hovet; grandson, Cory Prestangen.
Olga expressed her love for her caretakers and friends. The family couldn’t be more grateful for those at the GSH that loved and cared for her greatly.
Funeral Services for Olga were held on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. with Minister Matthew Rolfson officiating. A luncheon followed services at the First Lutheran Church for a time of fellowship and sharing. Olga was laid to rest at Spring Creek Cemetery in Watford City, N.D. Visitation was held on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, from 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. at Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Watford City, N.D. and one hour prior to services at the church. The service will be livestreamed directly on Olga’s obituary page on our website: www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Watford City, ND is assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com.