Elmer Joseph Hovda, 100, of Austin, Minnesota, died Friday evening, Aug. 1, 2014, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

He was born Nov. 18, 1913, in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, the son of Gustave A. and Clara Rosena (Severson) Hovda. He attended school in Grand Meadow, graduating from Grand Meadow High School. A member of the U.S. Air Force, Elmer served in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II, operating the electronic systems of bombers. After his military duty, Elmer returned to Minnesota where he managed the supply room for Austin Utilities. He was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, serving as usher for many years. He was also a member of American Legion Post No. 91 in Austin. Elmer liked to golf, bowl and read. He also enjoyed attending his Air Force reunions, and was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. In 2011 Elmer moved to St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews, Elywn (Wanda) Baker of Glendale, Arizona, Robert (Mary) Baker of Austin, Janice (Allen Layer) Cushman of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sandy (Tom) Sefciks of Conover, North Caroline, Linda Baker of Denver, Colorado, Zia Raven of New Haven, Connecticut, Dennis O’Brien of Owatonna, and Judith Hovda of Parshall, Colorado; many great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, one brother; three nephews, Fred Baker, Jim O’Brien and Ralph Hovda, and two nieces, Jean Hovda and Mary Kay O’Brien.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with Todd Portinga, Associate In Ministry, officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue on Thursday for one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Bear Creek Lutheran Cemetery in Grand Meadow with military honors by American Legion Post No. 91. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Elmer’s memory may be directed to St. Olaf Lutheran Church of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.