Al Hovland

Madison - Alvin "Al" Hovland, age 93, died peacefully Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born August 18, 1921 in Madison to the late Gilbert and Anna Hovland. Al graduated from Madison East High School in 1939. He was a WWII veteran, serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946. Al graduated with honors from U.W. Madison in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and also completed a Master of Science degree in 1951.

After his college education, he began his career teaching at U.W. Madison in the Physical Education Department. From 1957 - 1958, he served as assistant basketball coach under Coach Harold "Bud" Foster. Al directed the required and elective physical education programs for men as coordinator from 1960 - 1980.

He retired in 1985 after 37 years in the department. In 2010, he was inducted into the Madison Sports Hall of Fame. He was also active in the community as a member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Hiram Masonic Lodge #50, the U.W. Bowling League, and served as a Bucky Ambassador for the U.W.

Al was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Violet Hovland and his brother, Ernie Hovland.

Survivors include his daughter, Cynthia (Steve) Julius, granddaughter Kristi (Gino) Forcucci and grandson, Brad (Kayla) Julius.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Midvale Community Lutheran Church (4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711). A visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Al will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Midvale Community Lutheran Church or Agrace HospiceCare.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-3434