November 15, 1946 - June 5, 2023

Dennis J. Hovland, 76, of New Milford, CT, died June 5, 2023, surrounded by family. He was born Nov. 15, 1946, in Eau Claire, WI, to Robert and Jane Hovland and grew up in Chippewa Falls, WI.

Dennis married Sandra Kramschuster in 1968 and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. He worked in the food industry for many years, including several positions with Nestle and its subsidiaries. After retirement, he devoted substantial time to volunteer service to his church and community. His hobbies included golf, (ice) fishing, cooking, and attending his grandchildren’s special events. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan and devoted Wisconsin Badgers fan; he adopted the New York Yankees and UConn Huskies Women after moving to Connecticut.

Survivors include his wife Sandra; children Paul (Laura) Hovland, Jill (Peter) Vermilyea, and Jessica (Thomas) Smith; and grandchildren Katherine, Benjamin, Luke, Emma, Aidan, Cassandra, and Gabriella. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Jane, and sister, Vicki. The family thanks the staff at Regional Hospice for their exceptional care over the last few months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Sherman, CT. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 13, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Lillis Funeral Home, New Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gaylord Specialty Healthcare ( gaylord.org ) or the V Foundation for Cancer Research ( v.org ).