David Charles Hovre, 85, of Colfax, WI, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026. He was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved grandfather, brother and friend, whose loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Dave was born on October 16, 1940 to Orvil and Lillian (Svengaard) Hovre. He grew up on the family farm in Elk Mound, attending Elk Mound Schools until the family moved to Colfax in 1956, where he would meet the love of his life, Paula (Clemetson) Hovre. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1958.

Dave started working at the Chevrolet dealership on Main Street in Colfax in January of 1956. Eventually, Dave would become the sole owner of Hovre Chevrolet. Though the dealership would eventually be sold, Dave took immense pride in having worked in the same shop for 70 years.

Dave and Paula were married on June 17th, 1961 at Pine Creek Lutheran Church. The pair danced through life together – whether it be prom, family weddings, or the many music festivals they attended. They also enjoyed bowling league, snowmobiling, camping on the Rush River and on Island Lake, and hosting friends. One of his weekly calendar items was Friday morning coffee and dice with “the boys”.

Dave will be remembered for his woodworking talents, his jokes (some clean and some not so much), his ability to fix absolutely anything and his love of family and friends.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Michele (Mark) Madson and Fay (Mark) Johnson; grandchildren Megan and Ryan (Maggie) Madson & Paige and Callahan Johnson; brother John (Judy) Hovre, sisters-in-law, Cleo (the late Lowell) Weber, Joan (the late Walter) Peterson, brother-in-law Kirby (Kim) Clemetson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Paula; sister Ann (Hovre) Kendall, and parents Orvil and Lillian (Svengaard) Hovre.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the Neighbors of Dunn County and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care they gave to Dave and his family.

A private service will be held for family members and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.