Gloria Hovland

GLORIA ANN HOVLAND
In 1980, Gloria Ann Hovland was given a mere three months to live by Doctors who greatly underestimated the power and will of a human spirit like hers. Over 36 years later, Gloria gracefully left this life for the next at the age of 83, Jan. 6, 2016 in the arms of her family. Gloria was brought into this world Oct. 19, 1932 to parents Hubert and Karin Hammers with music coursing through every fiber of her being. The immense magnetic talent she possessed was eclipsed only by her love of family, devotion to serving others, and capacity for generosity. Despite receiving a full scholarship to the highly selective Juilliard School of Performance in New York, she decided she could still pursue her musical aspirations while being close to her beloved family in Duluth. She accomplished both aims, in addition to starting a family of her own with George Hovland II, with whom she brought three beautiful children to the world, Julie, George III, and Lee. Alongside her family life she cherished so deeply, her musical career took her to places she never could have imagined as a starry-eyed child. As a lifetime member of the Musician's Union from the age of 16, she started out starring in musicals and operettas at Denfeld, then formed a singing trio with her sister Donna Lee before taking the world by storm. From singing with the Seaberg Orchestra as a coloratura soprano in multiple languages, performing with the world-famous band 'The Lettermen', hosting 'The Music of the Night' under her radio name DJ Gloria Knight, managing bands all over the country, winning a Gold Record for original music in 1980 with her son-in-law Telly Savalas, to having her full length musical of all original songs, "Julie", performed by Tony award winning artist, Linda Eder, Gloria was able to always follow the beat of her musical heart while maintaining an insatiable desire to do more.
The interests and ambitions of Gloria are difficult to summarize in any short form, and were not bound exclusively to the arts. She was enigmatic in her vision, unpredictable in her pursuits, and unparalleled in her passion for making a difference in the communities of which she was a part. In Duluth, Gloria spearheaded several projects for the betterment of the city including a horse trail system near the Spirit Mountain skiing area, a golf course resort development to help raise the rate of tourism, and an international village concept to boost trade and commerce in Duluth. Gloria was also very involved with politics as an activist for causes like the Duluth Zoo and the U.S.S. Des Moines, and also as a volunteer for the political campaigns of Jim Oberstar, Yvonne Prettner Solon, Sam Solon, and Rick Nolan. Some of her pursuits have no obvious link to the others; they are simply expressions of Gloria's desire for fun and adventure. She was crowned Miss Arrowhead 1954, was an accomplished breeder of Dachshunds and German Shepherds, became a licensed floatplane pilot in her spare time, was a real estate agent in two states, and much, much more.
Gloria's form may have aged with time, but her spirited mind never did. Beyond her ability to hold an intelligent conversation on any topic imaginable, the currency and relevancy of her insight, despite being from a generation long past, was formidable. She managed to always speak her mind while maintaining care and empathy for those around her, loved ones and strangers alike. Gloria was born again into her Christian faith, and her ability to unconditionally love and forgive is a quality her family will cherish forever. The world has lost a treasure, and Heaven has gained an angel. God bless Gloria, as He has blessed us with her beautiful life.
She is preceded in death by her parents Hubert and Karin Hammers, as well as her son Lee Hovland.
She is survived by her daughter Julie (Rick South) Savalas; son George (Cindy) Hovland III; grandchildren Christian and Ariana Savalas, Dana, Haley, and Bridget Gloria Hovland; sister Donna Lee; niece Lisa; great-nephew Harrison Moody; dog children Callie and Lilah, and the countless souls around the world who will miss her beautiful presence in their lives.
VISITATION: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 13, 2016 in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd Street Duluth, and will continue on Thursday Jan. 14, 2016 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service in St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 1710 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55812. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 218-727-3555.