Service Information
Erika K. Hoversten, age 71, wife of Richard, of Stewart, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 1:00 P.M., at the Crow River Golf Club in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Interment will be held at a later date in Boon Lake Evergreen Cemetery in rural Buffalo Lake.
Fellowship will continue to follow the Celebration of Life until 4:00 P.M. at the Crow River Golf Club in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Erika Klara Hoversten was born on May 28, 1952, in Frauenstein, West Germany. She was the daughter of Johann and Hilde (Frenzel) Ruehl. She was baptized, confirmed, and received her high school education in West Germany. Following high school, Erika furthered her education in West Germany learning to speak five different languages with the intention of becoming an interpreter.
Erika began her life in the United States in the 1970’s and was proud to earn her citizenship on June 14, 1989. Erika arrived in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota in 1977, with daughter Sandy and son Tom. Erika began working as a bartender at the Buffalo Lake Bar where she met and fell in love with ‘Crazy Rich’. On April 18, 1980, Erika was united in marriage to Richard ‘Crazy Rich’ Hoversten at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. Erika, Sandy, and Tom joined Richard on the family farm in rural Stewart, Minnesota. Richard and Erika shared 43 years of marriage.
Erika was a loving and active mother. She enjoyed attending Sandy and Tom’s sporting events and never missed an opportunity to be part of their interests. She was a dedicated wife and helped in the farming operation for 18 years. Erika worked at the Gas Light (formerly the Porter House) in Buffalo Lake as well as 3M in Hutchinson. When her children were grown, she worked at Town and Country Tire in Hutchinson for many years.
Erika was so excited to become a grandmother in 2000. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren and poured all her time and attention into their lives. She doled out Hershey bars and chips to her grandkids despite parent protests and purchased all the fun things a child could want at the farm. Erika made sure that the lives of her grandchildren were full of love.
Erika retired in 2009. She enjoyed spending her time outdoors, swimming in her pool and chasing grandchildren. Erika and Richard began the life of snowbirds in Arizona in 2011, where they met many new friends.
Erika passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at the age of 71 years.
Blessed be her memory.
Erika is survived by her:
Husband, Richard Hoversten of Stewart, MN;
Daughter, Sandy Donnay and her husband, Jeff of Lafayette, MN;
Son, Tom Hendrichs and his wife, Sharon of Hector, MN;
Grandchildren, Kaitlin Donnay, Jenna Donnay, Addison Donnay, Gabe Hendrichs, Christian Hendrichs, Isaiah Hendrichs;
Mother-in-law, Leola Hoversten of Hutchinson, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends in the United States, Germany, and Canada.
Erika is preceded in death by her Parents, Johann and Hilde “Oma” Ruehl; Father-in-Law, Ardis Hoversten; Sister, Inge Groehler; and Brother-in-Law, Delvin Groehler.
In lieu of gifts or money to the family, please consider donating to your local hospice or other cancer foundation in Erika’s name.
Peg Dobihal says
So sorry to hear about Erika. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bonnie Karl says
Richard and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you all! Rick & Bonnie Karl
Juli Neubarth says
Richard and family,
I am so very sorry to hear this. Prayers and sympathy to your entire family.
Gayle and Anita says
Richard and family
So so sorry to hear about Erika! Hugs and prayers to you and your families. A remarkable lady!
Joan Doering says
Rich I am very sorry to about Erika, she will always remember by her.funny jokes and she was a lovely person. God BE with you and your Family,
Joan Doering
Joan Doering says
Rich, Iam very sorry to hear about ERIKA, GOD BLEES you and your family,
Cheryl Buboltz says
Richard and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Erika was such a kind and loving lady, she will definitely be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Buboltz
Catherine Fluck says
We were so sorry to hear of Erika’s death. Had so hoped her treatments would be successful. Our prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Perry J Butler says
Richard and Family
So sorry to hear about Erika. You have my deepest condolences!
Perry Butler
Judy Mellies says
Richard and family,
Thinking of you at this sad time. Erica was always so enjoyable to visit with. Prayers for peace for you all.
Jo Reck says
Dear Rich,
I am so very sorry to read of the loss of your Erika. She was always such a friendly, pretty woman, who I enjoyed chatting with when I’d see her. Please know you are in my thoughts, with prayers that all your wonderful memories will keep Erika alive in your heart always~
Jo Reck
Gary and Carole Beauchene says
Dear Dick and family
Gary and I were so sorry and saddened to hear of Erika’s passing.Getting to know you and Erika,Luci and Larry and Joan and Steve was a highlight of our winter holiday in Yuma.We were so honoured to have you come to Canada to visit with us and meet some of our family and friends.You both went out of your way to introduce us to your families and show us around when we visited with you at the farm.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and Hugs
Gary and Carole Beauchene
Bob Elliott says
Dicky, I can’t believe she’s gone. She was one hell of a bookkeeper, office manager, co-worker and a dear friend for many years. I don’t have the words to express the loss you must feel. God’s speed to you and family.
Ken & Eileen Kuttner says
Rich and family: So very sorry for your loss.
John Arlt says
Sandy, Tom and Rich – So sorry for your loss. Erika will be missed!
Dwight Kottke says
Dick, I didn’t get to know your wife as good as some of the other friends but you and me go way back. Thinking of you at this time.
Paula Straub says
Rich
So sorry to hear about Erika. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Paula Straub
Terry & Lois says
Sandy & Jeff and family
So sorry to read this notice and realize Erika, was your loving mother. Our hearts are mourning for your loss. We will continue to pray for God’s loving arms to embrace you and give you strength.
Sara says
Erika was so kind and loved her family fiercely. I was a blessing to have known her. God bless her family.
Love,
Chris and Sara Davis and family
Randy Pederson says
Rich,
Sorry to hear of Erika’s passing! I can empathize with your situation having lost my first wife Julie to cancer nearly 7 years ago… My sincere condolences !