Charles Hovden D.D.S.

September 7, 1925 - February 16, 2024

Charles “Chuck” was born September 7, 1925, in Chicago, Ill. He was the first born of Erling and Freda Hovden. After his father completed Northwestern Law School, the family moved to North Hollywood, Calif., when he was 1. Chuck attended North Hollywood High. He excelled in academics and was a 2nd team All League High School basketball player, with a nickname of “Tiger Hovden.” With WWII in the background, upon high school graduation Chuck enlisted in the Navy and three days after high school graduation at age 17, he was on a troop train bound for Texas. He spent two years in Austin at University of Texas studying engineering, then was transferred to Harvard Supply School. Chuck was then commissioned as an Ensign and placed on a Naval Net Tender, The USS Mulberry, in the Aleutians. The war ended and he was discharged, returning to UCLA where he completed his undergraduate degree in engineering and through the GI Bill applied and attended the School of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco. He received his dental degree in 1951. While at P&S, he met and fell in love with a female dental student in the class behind his, Marion Motzer, and they were married August 7, 1951.

Chuck opened his dental practice in San Francisco in 1951. Marion joined him a year later and they practiced together for over 30 years. In 1976, their daughter, Caren, joined their dental practice as a dentist prior to moving onto orthodontics. Then in 1981, their son, Ken, joined them as a dentist in the dental practice as well. Chuck also volunteered, teaching at the dental school in his early career. He was an amazing mentor to his son and daughter. His level of dentistry and caring for his patients was unsurpassed. He retired in 1997 after 46 years in practice.

Outside the office Chuck liked to do projects, from building brick walls with great precision, to irrigation systems. No project was too big for the family to handle. His summer house in Clear Lake, Calif., gave him great joy and the ability to be outside. He enjoyed his small orchard of peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, walnuts and kiwis. He loved to take long RV trips with his family. On trips to Mexico City and to Calgary, Canada, you could count on him to play the harmonica to breakup the long drives. At 75, he was still water skiing on a single ski with his family and driving the boat for his grandchildren for many more years after that.

Chuck’s biggest legacy is the work ethic he instilled in his family, and his constant willingness to place others’ needs ahead of his own. He was always a giving personto his patients, his friends and his family.

Chuck passed away peacefully with family by his side, his almost 99 years catching up to him.

Chuck was predeceased by his wife, Marion after 69 years of marriage; along with his son-in-law, William Morgan. He is survived by his daughter, Caren Morgan; son, Kenneth Hovden; daughter-in-law, Laura Hovden; four grandchildren, Brian Morgan ( Christina Morgan sp), Kristen Morgan Sheaff (Justin Sheaff sp), Taira Hovden, Chase Hovden; and four great-grandchildren, Charles Morgan, Julia Morgan, Kaylee Sheaff, and Kirra Sheaff. He also is survived by his sister, Erlaine Seeger of Santa Barbara. His caring nature, kind heart, and love will be greatly missed by all.

At Charles’ request, no services will be held. Contributions can be made to the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Hovden Endowment or the charity of your choice.