04/19/2026
New Volunteer Spotlight:
Larry Hoverson was first introduced to the Village by Rudy Hovde. Larry had helped Rudy sheetrock his basement, and when they finished, Rudy told him that his talents could sure be used at Stump Lake Historical Village & Museum. That was 19 years ago. His very first project was the Main Street building, and to this day his most loved places at the Village are the Main Street Museum and the Engine Building.
There are hardly words to express how valuable Larry is to the village. When something needs to be done — big or small — Larry is the one we turn to, and it gets handled almost immediately. He is always doing something to help, always in motion, always contributing. A true jack‑of‑all‑trades, he brings skill, dedication, and heart to every corner of the village.
Soft‑spoken and kind, Larry carries a quiet confidence and a warm smile. He is always willing to lend a hand, always willing to share his knowledge, and always willing to show up. His ability to see what needs to be done — and then simply do it — makes him one of the most valuable assets the village has ever known.
Larry has a special gift for mentoring young people. He doesn’t just teach skills; he inspires enthusiasm, curiosity, and pride in the next generation. His influence continues to shape new volunteers and future leaders.
New volunteers often talk about how welcoming he is — how he not only helps them learn the ropes but takes an interest in their families and lives. He supports every project, including the ones the ladies need help with, and he does it with patience, humor, and genuine care.
And speaking of humor — few forget the day he caught his pants leg on the binder that viciously tore it. Larry then decided to just rip it off, and then evened things out by cutting off the other pant leg. Larry, who never wears shorts, suddenly had a pair of knee‑high cutoffs. The laughter from that day still echoes.
Larry’s mechanical genius is legendary. He can fix anything with nothing. Cars, tractors, engines, carpentry, drywall — he masters it all. His determination is unmatched; once he starts a project, he finishes it, no matter what it takes he continues to shape the village with his expertise.
He often says, “You never know when it’s Christ at the door,” and he lives by those words. Helping others isn’t a task for Larry — it’s a calling.
Even though he now lives in another part of the state, Larry still returns to help, advise, and support the village he loves. His knowledge, experience, and passion continue to guide its growth. If you ask anyone who understands how things work around here, Larry’s name is the first to come to mind. His intuition, hands‑on experience, and deep respect for history — especially old equipment and the memories tied to it — are irreplaceable.
Larry Hoverson is the whole package: builder, fixer, planner, mentor, historian, mechanic, and friend. But above all, he is a man with a big heart, a generous spirit, and a lasting, living impact on the village he continues to help build.
You couldn’t find a nicer man.
