Joseph Carl Hovey

Joseph Carl Hovey, age 87, of Mondovi, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi while his loving and devoted wife and family were at his side. He was born on January 7, 1930 in Eau Claire, the only child of Joel and Ella (Aase) Hovey. Joseph attended Gilmanton Schools, graduating from the Gilmanton High School with the class of 1949. On June 29, 1958, Joseph was united in marriage to JoAnn Groe in Northwood, IA. To this union, three children were born. JoAnn preceded Joseph in death on March 21, 1991. Five years later, on August 7, 1996, Joseph married Phyllis (Schultz) Ede. With this union, two families became united to form one loving family of six children. Joseph was proud to call himself a farmer. A career that spanned his entire life and was honored that his home farm was registered in the State of Wisconsin as a century farm. He was a longtime and faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in rural Mondovi. He devoted himself to the good of the church, serving on church council, helping to maintain the church interior and caring for the lawn and landscaping needs as well. For many years, he was the caretaker and sexton of the church cemetery. Joseph was a charter member of the Sons of Norway, Viking lodge, Mondovi. His Norwegian heritage was something he was very proud of, evident not only through his help in chartering the local Sons of Norway lodge, but also by his two trips back to the homeland in Norway to visit his many relatives. Joseph was the driving force behind the Hovey family genealogy book which will be a cherished keepsake for years to come. Joseph will be remembered for his ability to fix and repair or build most anything, a trait known to many longtime farmers such as him. What Joseph will be mostly remembered for is his quiet personality, his unending faith and love for his Lord and Savior and for his entire family, whom he dedicated his life to. Joseph will be dearly missed by his wife, Phyllis of Mondovi; children, Jeanette (Scott) Thompson of Mondovi, Eric (Linda) Hovey of Mondovi, John (Michelle) Hovey of Mondovi, Cindy (Jim) Bahler of Rochester, MN, Cathy (Ted) Bauer of New Richmond, WI and Jim Ede of Mondovi; 10 grandchildren, Sven (Jordan) Hovey, Bergen Hovey, Rachel Hovey; Zachary (Maren) Bahler, Sarah Bahler; Trevor (Annie) Bauer, Trent Bauer; Lance (Hayley) Bauer, Leah Bauer; John Roger Ede; 10 great grandchildren, Lily, Gage, Ryder and Kora Hovey; Blaire, Brandt and Beau Bauer; Breck Bauer; Brynn and Henry Bahler; also by nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, JoAnn. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Lisa Watson-Hill officiating. Burial will follow at the West Bennett Valley Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 14 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel and again at the Church on Wednesday from 12:00 PM until the hour of the service.