Minnetonka, MN - Richard Dix Hovland, MD of Stillwater and Minnetonka, Minnesota and Fountain Hills, Arizona died on March 27, 2026, at the age of 92, having lived a full life that ended with Alzheimer's Disease. A graduate of Washburn High School, the University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Medical School, he was a family doctor for 55 years, beginning his career as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps stationed in Bad Kissingen, Germany for two years, at Bloomington Lake Clinic in Minneapolis where he was also Medical Director and later with Health Partners until full retirement at age 79.

Rich was the youngest child of Iver and Margaret (Dix) Hovland. Brother Jud Hovland of Barrington, Illinois and sister Trudy Hovland Genrich of Minneapolis predeceased him. Rich and his first wife Carol Ann (Timmy) were parents to Amy (Phillips) and Laurie (Jaehnert). Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Anne Benedict Hovland, Rich's daughters, Anne's daughters, Kerith Benedict and Erica Erb, grandchildren Dana, Kristen, Sophie, Logan, Elena, Wyatt, and Cole, great-grandchildren Grayson, Violet, and Addison many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Rich was at heart a Christian and a caretaker. His patients meant the world to him, and they valued his care as well as his friendship. His life of service began as a counselor at Camp Warren in Northern Minnesota. He served on church vestries, tutored reading for adult students, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. He joined a volunteer recovery team in Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

He was an avid bicyclist, downhill skier, and traveler. In 1987 (at 54!) he joined a small group of adventurers for a cross-country bike trip from the Oregon coast to the Atlantic in Virginia. The three-month-thousand-mile journey instilled a deep love of this land and kindled lifelong friendships. He waterskied in his 80th year and downhill skied his last run at Arizona Snow Bowl in 2016 shortly after his 82nd birthday. Rich's travels with Timmy covered most of Western Europe, and together they showed Amy and Laurie the United States on extended camping trips. With Anne he revisited Europe and ventured around the globe. Rich cherished and nurtured many lasting friendships with loyalty and generosity.

Rich's family is grateful for the loving care of the staff at Artis of Woodbury, Havenwood of Minnetonka, and Moments Hospice for these last years and months of his life.

Services will take place at Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel on May 21 with visitation at 11 am, service at noon followed by interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A reception will follow. Memorials are encouraged to the charity of your choice.