Orlin Albert Hoversten

Orlin Albert Hoversten of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 74. Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Military Honors will follow and a reception for attendees will be held at the AmericInn Hotel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Orlin was born on June 30, 1948, In Marshall, Minnesota, to parents Emmanuel and Frieda (Fligge) Hoversten. He grew up on the family farm west of Lynd, Minnesota, and was baptized and confirmed at Hemnes Lutheran Church. Orlin attended school in Lynd and graduated from High School there in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation and served honorably from 1966 – 1971, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, and spent 18 months in Vietnam driving trucks loaded with munitions. He returned to the US in 1970 and was assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, where met Ms. Caren Rosdhal in a random encounter that sparked an instant connection.

Six months later, on March 27, 1971, Orlin and Caren were united in marriage in Richfield, Minnesota. The couple made their home on a farm near Marshall before moving to Minneota for a couple of years. When their first child was 4-months old, they purchased a home and moved back to rural Marshall where they raised their family. Before settling down as a cross-country truck driver, Orlin worked a drag-line and hauled gravel with his brother-in-law, repaired farm equipment at the Knutson International implement in Marshall, and briefly co-owned the Marshall Machine Shop. In total, Orlin spent nearly 47 years employed outside of his childhood farm before retiring in 2013. He and Caren spent over 51 years of marriage together and raised five children while impacting the lives of many more as foster parents.

Orlin was a playfully ornery friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather. Known to be a bit mischievous, he also had a large heart and was loving, caring and affectionate to those that knew him well. He handed out nicknames and whisker rubs to everyone - whether they were welcomed or not! And like his father before him, Orlin was known for his fashionable selection of clothing – bib overalls, a single pocket t-shirt, and boots. Perhaps less known is that Orlin was a prolific dancer! Whether it was a night of dancing with his beautiful bride in his younger years, twirling his daughters around the living room as they grew up, or the simple wiggling of his fingers like a composer and playful bouncing to some Charley Pride or Tennessee Ernie Ford, Orlin loved to put on a show!

Millions of miles driven over a 35-year trucking career left Orlin with plenty of time to realize and appreciate the value of family and friends. The door to his home was aways open, whether it be for a quick visit with a friend in the patio over a coffee or a large family gathering during the holidays. While his taste for odd foods (pickled anything) usually generated plenty of discussion, Orlin was a steak and potatoes man and would offer meals to everyone visiting, sometimes against their will!

At the end of the day, Orlin was a family man and provided for those he loved. His enjoyments in life started and ended with the boundless pride he had in his children. He also enjoyed tractor shows and farm auctions, “tinkering” on tractors, fishing, sitting around the kitchen table with family & friends over several cups of coffee, and hanging out with his favorite dog and best friend: Louie.

Orlin is survived by his wife, Caren Hoversten of Marshall; 5 children - Nicki (and Michael) Snyder of Mocksville, NC, Danielle (and Carol McCauley) Hoversten of Greensboro, NC, Kris (and Jasmine) Hoversten of Stafford, VA, Carrie (and Ezra) Lawrence of Crestview, FL, Abel Romandia (and fiancé Madison Frank) of Marshall; 15 grandchildren - Alecia (and Chris) Kveseth of Greensboro, NC, Courtney Snyder (and fiancé Riley Williams) of Russell, MN, McCauley, Claire and Harper Hoversten of Greensboro, NC, Kaden, Nevaeh and Leland Hoversten of Stafford, VA, David, Roman, Nora, Donald, and Madison Lawrence of Raleigh, NC, Aubrianna and Brantley Romandia of Marshall; siblings - Allen (and Lenice) Hoversten of Kenyon, Illa (and Ted) Anderson of Marshall, Ulen Hoversten of Marshall; best friend/pit bull, Louie; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Emmanuel and Frieda Hoversten; brother, Ellsworth (and Lillie) Hoversten.