James Clayton Eugene Hovre, age 88, of Ettrick, died on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 in his home.

James was born on June 29, 1928 in rural Ettrick to Eddie and Celia (Hoff) Hovre. He married Milda Gilbertson on November 13, 1954 in Winona, MN. Milda preceded Jim in death on June 23, 1968. James later married Vicki Hestekind on June 24, 1989 in the French Creek Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick.

After graduation from Galesville High School in 1947 he was a dairy farmer in the French Creek area finally settling in Iduna where he raised Registered Holstein cattle. He was quite proud of his cattle and the family was very active in showing Registered Holsteins, Duroc hogs and beef cattle.

He continued dairy farming until 1992 at which time he retired to his next life chapter, raising and breeding Norwegian Fjord horses, developing blood lines from Norway which are known across the United States.

James was active at various times in the French Creek Lutheran Church Council, Farm Bureau Board, Registered Holstein Association, Sons of Norway Fagernes Lodge 616, Soil and Water Conservation Stream Bank Improvement and the Norwegian Fjord Horse Association. Bowling and curling were outside activities he enjoyed most.

He will be missed by many and his dedication to his Norwegian heritage was evident to everyone that knew him.

James is survived by his wife, Vicki Hovre of Ettrick; two sons, Timothy (fiancée, Darla Tyznik) Hovre of Marshfield and John Hovre of Ettrick; a son-in-law, Randy (Linda) Holthaus of Bangor; three step-children, Kevin and Jason Kittleson both of Caledonia, MN and Karmen (Paul) Haugland of Spring Grove, MN; ten grandchildren, Megan Hovre, Ross (fiancée, Kayla Leis) Holtaus, Reed Holthaus, Rachel (fiance`, Ryan Allen) Holthaus, Ranae (Tyler) Herman, Jessica (Matt) Hesse, Erik Haugland, Kristin (Shane) O'Brien, Laura Kittleson and John Kittleson and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and first wife, James was preceded in death by a daughter, Rebecca Holthaus and a son, James E. Hovre.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the French Creek Lutheran Church with burial in the church cemetery both in rural Ettrick. Pastor Anna Sorenson will officiate.

Visitation will be Monday, June 12, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. in the French Creek Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

The Jack Funeral Home in Blair is assisting the family with arrangements.