Gary L. Hovda, 69

Gary Hovda went to be with his LORD on June 9, 2011 after a courageous 3 year battle with prostate cancer and leukemia. He was born in Minneapolis on May 11, 1942, the son of Warren and Agnes Hovda.

Gary graduated from Northwestern College in Minneapolis in June 1965. He met Ruby Drotts at Northwestern College and they were married on December 17, 1965.

Gary was the owner of Hovda Video Services. He was an active member of First Free Church, Rockford, and The Gideons.

Gary is survived by his wife Ruby, daughter Lori (Rich) Fieger, son Tim (Cami) Hovda and five grandchildren: Garrick, Gabriel and Grace Fieger and Cooper and Lily Hovda. He is also survived by his mother Agnes Hovda, and four brothers: Doug (Maureen), Ron, Roger (Elaine) and Dale. He was pre-deceased by his father Warren Hovda; parents-in-law, Hans and Carrie Drotts; brother-in-law Lester Drotts; and sister-in-law Lois Seashore.

Special thanks to OSF Hospice for their wonderful care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to The Gideons, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or to BDMI (By Design Ministries International), 1111S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, Illinois 61108..

Memorial Service will be at First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford, Rockford, on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorial Visitation at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 1340 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, on Thursday June 16, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.graceFH.com .