Rolf N. Hovey, Sr., died Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at the Estelline Nursing and Care Center in Estelline, South Dakota. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Grace Lutheran Church in Bruce, with interment and military rites in the Deer Creek Cemetery near Bruce. Visitations will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

Rolf Nicolay Hovey was born August 12, 1921, at Volga, South Dakota, to Carl J. and Christianne (Jacobson) Hovey. He grew up on the family homestead near Bruce, but lived with his aunt and uncle in Kenyon, Minnesota, after the death of his father in 1937. He graduated from high school in Kenyon in 1940. He was inducted into the United States Army on October 9, 1942, at Ft. Snelling, MN, and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater in New Guinea and the Philippines, including the Battle of Leyte. He was discharged from the Army on August 28, 1945. After WW II he joined the Army Reserves and worked at the Ft. Meade Veterans Hospital until he was called to active duty on October 12, 1950. He served in the Korean War until November 23, 1951. During his service he received several awards, including the good conduct medal and four bronze stars.

On October 18, 1952, Rolf married Elsie Sween. After their marriage, they farmed near Hayti. Rolf bought his Uncle Peter Hoveys homestead in 1955 and farmed until retiring in 1988.

Rolf was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, was on the church council, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday school. He was also a member of the Farmers Union, American Legion, and Sons of Norway. He loved music and played the harmonica and accordion. He enjoyed creating welded and origami bird art for friends and relatives.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elsie Hovey, of Bruce; five children: Janet (David) Johnson of Watertown, SD, Donald (Shelly) Hovey of Overland Park, KS, Louise (Michael) Zuiderhof of Weeting, England, Mary (Russell) Bjerke of Volga, SD, and Rolf (Anne) Hovey, Jr, of Bruce, SD; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a twin brother, Roger (June) Hovey, of Gary, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, a sister, and a son, James.