Miles Hovland Obituary

Miles George Hovland was born in Rapid City, SD on October 30, 1981 to Allen Hovland and Deanna Hart. Miles joined an older sister, Anna, and brother, James. Miles was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Milesville. He grew up and began his education in Philip, before moving to Milesville where he attended the King School from the 2nd through 8th grade. In his youth Miles enjoyed wrestling, baseball and attending the State Fair in Huron every September. He then attended Philip High School, graduating in 2000. Miles was involved in 4-H, FFA and rodeo during his school years. After graduation, he furthered his education at SDSU in Brookings and then transferred to Dickinson, ND and graduated with a degree in Ag Business. Upon graduating, Miles returned to the ranch to work with his Dad.

Miles married the love of his life, Erin Riggins, on June 17, 2006. From their marriage came four children, Connor, Mackenzie, Elijah, and Miley. He enjoyed all aspects of ranch life and was proud to continue the Hereford bloodline that his grandfather started. Miles never met a stranger, as it seemed he knew everyone and everyone knew him. He looked forward to the Black Hills Stock Show every year, and even made a point to have all his family attend this year’s stock show. He was a member and elder of the Hardingrove Evangelical Free Church in Milesville, and a Milesville Cemetery Board Member.

Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Erin; two sons, Connor and Elijah; two daughters, Mackenzie and Miley; father, Allen Hovland; step-father, Kelly Fees; brother, James (Melony) Gyles; sister, Anna (John) Schreurs; mother-in-law, Debbie Prouty; brothers-in-law, Quentin (Kylie) Riggins and Cody (Jasmine) Riggins; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Miles was preceded in death by his mother, Deanna Fees; grandparents, Harry and Veronica Hart, Reuben and Rue Adene Hovland, and Cliff and Ann Fees; and uncles, Jim Hart, Davey Hart, Hugh Hart, and Glen Hovland.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Milesville Hall in Milesville.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Hardingrove Community Evangelical Free Church in Milesville.

Interment will follow at the Milesville Cemetery.

Service Details

VISITATION
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 5-7 p.m.
Milesville Hall
Milesville, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, June 27, 2025 - 10:00 a.m.
Hardingrove Community Evangelical Free Church
Milesville, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Ron Stradinger

MUSIC
Brittney Drury - Vocalist
Colt and Travis Terkildsen - Musicians
"I'll Fly Away"
"Jealous of the Angels"

PALLBEARERS
Justin Kessler - Thor Roseth - Jared Schaefer
Rob Goodman - Al Trask - Chad Hanrahan

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Family and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota

Guest Book

Sympathy and prayers for Miles family and friends.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (6/24/2025)

The world lost a great guy in Miles.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Miles was such a wonderful kid, and I feel fortunate to have shared so many special moments with him. From his iconic freckles and vibrant red hair to the laughter we shared on camping trips, those memories will always hold a dear place in my heart.
I remember how much he loved my mom's cooking, especially her donuts, and I still chuckle at the rides he gave us to school—always a little too fast for my liking! His sincere smile said so much.
I am grateful for the time I had with him in my childhood. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
With deepest sympathy, Amanda Neville
~ Amanda Neville Rapid City (6/25/2025)

Our hearts are heavy, so sad to lose Miles. We all know he fought hard during all this, never complained. We have known Miles since he was a baby, as Joann was his Mom's cousin. He was a very special guy, so proud of his family. Hold on to all the memories, we know he is in a better place, no more pain. Prayers to all.
~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (6/22/2025)

Erin and family; Allen, our heartfelt thoughts are with you all. Miles fought a good fight with that nasty cancer but knowing how his family will always know how to keep going on was a comfort to him.
~ Buster & Nancy Peterson Kadoka (6/21/2025)

Erin and family, It is hard to find the words to say how sorry we are for your loss. Miles was such an all-round nice person. I read your beautiful post on Facebook, I can say you are all making him very proud of the way you are handling such a hard event in your life. May God's comfort touch you all.
~ Carla & Virgil Smith Philip, SD (6/23/2025)

We are so very sorry for your loss. It is evident that Miles touched so many hearts and lives, mine included. Though words can’t ease your sorrow, I hope you find some comfort in knowing how much he meant to others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the children, and the rest of your family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in each other and peace in the love that surrounds you.
~ Jared, Krystl Vermundson & Family Rapid City (6/23/2025)

I'm
Am
I am so sorry for your loss, everybody loved him and will miss him
~ Joann Stark Jefferson, South Dakota (6/22/2025)

Western Junior Livestock Show would like to express our sympathy to your family.
~ Jackie Maude Hermosa, SD (6/23/2025)