Merrill W. Hoven

Merrill Wayne Hoven, age 83, lifelong resident of Superior WI, currently of Hayes Court, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 8, 2010 at St Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

Merrill was born on November 11, 1926 in Superior, WI, the only child of Martin and Alice (Tanning) Hoven and resided in Superior his entire life. Merrill was proud of his community and was active in numerous organizations up until the time of his death.

He graduated from Central High School, the Class of 1945. He soon opened “Hoven’s Meat Market” located on 23rd and Tower in Superior.

On July 18th 1953, Merrill married the love of his life, Louise (Countryman) Hoven. They spent 60 loving years together building their family, enjoying their friends and traveling the world.

In 1956 Merrill was appointed to the position of Deputy Clerk of Courts by then Clerk of Courts Joe White. In 1966 he was elected Clerk of Courts, an elected position which he held until his retirement in 1989 following 32 years of faithful service. Merrill also was a longtime employee of Lenroot-Maetzold and Downs-LeSage Funeral Homes.

During his long life in Superior, Merrill was active in his community. He loved Concordia Lutheran Church and attended regularly. Merrill had served with numerous organizations and his memberships include: current President of the Riverside Cemetery, active member of the Masonic Lodge, Aad Temple of Duluth, Superior Shrine Club including past Aad Temple Provost president, past president of the Douglas County Credit Union and founder of the first office of multiple Credit Unions in Superior. Merrill enjoyed the Optimist Club, Sons of Norway, Elks Club and decades competing at the Superior Curling Club.

Merrill was admired and well respected by all who knew him.
Merrill spent his entire life enjoying conversation with family and friends. He was a kind and gentle man who lived a friendly life. During his retirement years he enjoyed woodworking, nine wonderful winter years in Pass Christian Mississippi and his daily evening rides around the city. Superior was special and he served with pride.

Merrill is survived by his wife Louise; son Gary (Susan Grimsrud) of South St. Paul and daughter Jane (Michael) Meehan of Superior; five grandchildren, Martin (Devanie) Hoven, Robert (Noelle) Hoven, Chelsie (John) Kolnik, all of St. Paul, Ethan Meehan and Alex Meehan of Superior and awaiting the first great-grandchild due in April. He especially enjoyed his pet dog “Teddy.”

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday October 14, 2010 at Downs–LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior with a Masonic service conducted by the Superior Masonic Lodge #236 scheduled at 7:00 pm.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2010 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1708 John Avenue, Superior, WI with visitation one hour prior to service.

Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be Merrill’s five grandchildren, Martin and Robert Hoven, Chelsie (Hoven) Kolnik, Ethan and Alex Meehan and Harvey Hoven and Eric Sewall.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Concordia Lutheran Church, the Concordia Lutheran CHURCH BUS fund, and Riverside Cemetery Association.