Kathleen “Kathi” Hovde, 69, of rural Epping, ND, died Sunday, May 29, 2016 at the family ranch as a result of injuries sustained from an accident, while doing what she loved.

Kathleen Gail Johnson was born in Minot, ND on August 28, 1946, the daughter of Hjalmer and Clara (Mikkelson) Johnson. She attended grade and middle school in Minot and later attended Hillcrest Lutheran High School in Fergus Falls, MN, graduating with the class of 1964. She moved to California after graduation and attended Anaheim Junior College for one year. She then attended Minot State College, where she met her husband and the love of her life, John Byron Hovde, a Williston, ND native. They met on a blind date. When he rang the doorbell, standing at the door were two beautiful girls, Kathi and her sister Ruby. As usual, he was confused. But it was Kathi who was destined to be his bride.
Kathi and John were united in marriage on October 7, 1967 in Minot. They moved to Fargo, ND, where Kathi finished college at Moorhead State College and graduated with a degree in Music Education. Here began her legacy, sharing music in countless ways to many, many people. John and Kathi had two children, Kristen Trini and John Mikel (J.J) Hovde. While John was serving in the U.S. Army, Kathi taught at Wilkinson Elementary School in Williston, ND for a short time before moving back to Minot. When John returned from his service in Vietnam in 1972, they lived in Avoka, ND for a short time, and then the family moved to Fairview, MT. Kathi taught at East and West Fairview schools for 13 years.
In 1983, the Hovde’s had the opportunity to establish a ranch east of Williston. Kathi continued teaching music in the Williston School System for several years and retired in 2013. In less than two years, she was called to return to her purpose; teaching children to love music. She taught at Rickard Elementary until her mission was completed on May 29, 2016.
Kathi is survived her husband John, her two children Kristen (Kirk) Gabrielson of Atlanta, GA and J.J. (Tana) Hovde of Sidney, MT, five grandchildren Bailee Bea Gabrielson, Dylan Gabrielson, Trista Hovde, Wacey Hovde and Cedar Hovde, two brothers Roger (Leahanne) Johnson and Bruce (Betty) Johnson both of Minot, ND, two sisters Karen (Leo) Ringeon of Plaza, ND and Ruby (Randy) Naslund of Fargo, ND, sisters and brothers-law, Jean (David) Nelson of Williston, Dave (Jill) Hovde of Epping, ND, Doug (Kathy) Hovde of Grand Junction, CO and Jim Hovde of Williston, ND.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother David Johnson and her mother and father-in-law Martin and Mabel Hovde.