Gayle Harlan Hovdeness

Gayle Harlan Hovdeness, 82, of Devils Lake, North Dakota, passed away at home on July 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Gayle was born on February 11, 1944, in McVille, North Dakota, to Julius and Jonette (Tufto) Hovdeness. He grew up in Tolna and Devils Lake and graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1963. After graduation, Gayle proudly served his country in the United States Army, including 3 years overseas in France. On February 5, 1977, Gayle married his beloved wife, Shirley (Boldenow) Hovdeness, in Devils Lake, where they lived, worked, and raised their family through the years.

Gayle spent much of his life serving the Devils Lake community. He joined the Devils Lake Fire Department in 1971, retiring as Deputy Chief in April of 2008, continuing as a volunteer until present. Even after his retirement from the department, he served his community by becoming a driver for the Devils Lake Transit Service for several years.

Nothing meant more to Gayle than his family. He loved spending time at the lake with family and friends, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings no matter what, participating in the Devils Run car show with his three classic cars, making his annual trips to Rollag for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion with his best friend and son-in-law, Jeremy, his grandkids, and life-long friends Jerome and Mark, and Wednesday coffee time at the fire hall. Halloween and Christmas were two of his favorite times of year, and he loved filling his yard with inflatables for everyone to enjoy. He especially loved turning his garage into a neighborhood haunted house every Halloween.

His firefighter family jokingly referred to Gayle as "Grumpy Smurf," but those who really knew him understood that behind his gruff exterior was a kind and generous man with a huge heart. He was always ready to help someone in need and often welcomed people into his home as if they were one of his own. He loved being a mentor to his fellow firefighters, making kids laugh, being goofy, and creating fun memories for those around him. He will be remembered for his love for his family, his service to others, and the way he made people feel welcome.

Gayle is survived by his daughters, Tammi (Jeremy) Beck and Kristi Strinden, both of Devils Lake; his grandchildren, Kali (Brady) Moen, Kamden Beck, Karsen Beck (Cecelia Hinton), Kayleigh Beck, Kaicen Beck, Kyle Strinden (Stephany Eggermont) and Kevin Strinden; his great-grandchildren, Briella, Beckett and Brynnley Moen, and Jayleigh, Addisyn, and Jaxsyn Strinden; his sister, Helen Bremer of St. Peter, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews.

He was welcomed Home by his loving wife, Shirley; parents, Julius and Jonette (Tufto) Hovdeness; sisters, JoAnn Funiaole and Jeniva Djoseland; along with other relatives, friends, and fellow firefighters.

There will be a gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services, including a ceremonial Firefighter Last Call and military honors, will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake.

Gayle’s urn bearers will be Jeremy Beck, Karsen Beck, Cecelia Hinton and Myles Schafer. Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren, as well as all past and present members of the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Department.

Following the service, Gayle will be taken home to be reunited with his wife until their interment at the Fargo National Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for lunch and a time of fellowship at the church following the service.