Christopher Paul Hoven of Arlington, VA, 57, died Friday, December 25 after a short illness. His husband, Quang, was by his side when he died.
Christopher (along with his twin brother Charles) was born January 7, 1963 to Gaylord and Ruth Hoven, in Zumbrota, MN. His siblings Karen, Jane, and Steven welcomed the “twins” to the family homestead where Gaylord and his siblings were born. After attending Zumbrota High School, Christopher continued his studies at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN majoring in Political Science. For a brief time, he worked at the US Federal Credit Union in Minneapolis in the teller department. Christopher moved to Washington, DC at the request of Congressman Tim Penny, MN. After working for Tim, he continued his career with other US Representatives including Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, NY and most recently, for 16 years, Congressman Adam Schiff, CA, his dear friend.
Christopher had an insatiable appetite for politics inspired by his hero, Hubert Humphrey and his Grandparents, Olaf and Selma Hoven. He learned to sharpen his political teeth through working the DFL booth at the Goodhue County Fair every summer with his Zumbrota Democratic heroes: Ken Quiring and Sue Rockne. His political savvy was further sharpened at Hamline University through campus organizations and college friends.
Washington, DC became Christopher’s permanent home in 1987 where he made life-long friends as well as innumerable acquaintances both on and off The Hill. Once you were his friend it was for life no matter if you saw him daily or with years between visits. He also traveled to different countries ranging from Norway, Vietnam, Thailand, to Laos. On one of his trips to Vietnam Chris met his future husband, Quang Nguyen.
Politics, family, friends, books, Norway, Vietnam, embassies, laughter, proper grammar and spelling, the Nationals, the Twins, the Vikings, Hamline University, bow ties, LGBTQ rights, flags, animals, The Hill, history (including family, civil justice, left-handedness, democracy, and the Democratic party) were just a few of his interests. He could not be defined by any one single word. However, if you do take one word, you get a tiny glimpse into the complex, wonderful, loving, passionate, and generous person Christopher was.
Christopher is survived by his husband Anh Quang Nguyen of Arlington, VA; sisters Karen (Charles) Stone of Minneapolis; Jane (Michael) Ryan of Rancho Mirage, CA; brothers Steven Hoven of Stewartville, MN; Charles (Barry) Hoven of Kentwood, MI; nieces and nephews-in-law: Maren (Andy) Rotering; Kristen (Billy) Nord; and Dr. Emily Ryan; and grandniece and grandnephew Kika Rotering and Wiley Nord. Christopher was preceded in death by his parents Gaylord and Ruth (Tollefsrud) Hoven and sister-in-law, Robin Hoven.
Survivors include his vast network of extended family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances near and far.
In lieu of flowers or a funeral service, donations can be made in Christopher Hoven’s name to the following:
The Human Rights Campaign, Washington, DC
or
Hamline University-Attention: Mike Tompos Institutional Advancement, MS-C1917, 1536 Hewitt Avenue,
St. Paul, MN 55104
In the future, there will be celebrations of a life well-lived in Washington, DC, Zumbrota, MN, and Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.
