Celebrating Vern Hoven

Vernon Bernard Hoven

September 25, 1943 – May 14, 2024

Services to celebrate Vern’s life will be held on June 13th at 2:00pm Mountain time at the Armory Hotel, 24 W. Mendenhall St., Bozeman, MT 59715.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Montana Foundation and noted for the “Vern Hoven, CPA Endowed Accounting Scholarship”.

Checks should be mailed to The UM Foundation, PO Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159 or online at www.SupportUM.org and designate the gift to the “Vern Hoven, CPA Endowed Accounting Scholarship”.

Born on September 25, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota,

Vern’s early years were marked by the influences of his father, a distinguished district court judge, and his sense of adventure, recounted by many family members. Vern earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Montana at Missoula. As Vern often joked, “I shoved four years of college into seven!” He went on to earn a master’s degree in taxation from University of Denver Law School.

Vern’s professional accomplishments were significant.

As the co-founder of Western CPE, he built a successful company that became a cornerstone of continuing professional education for CPAs and financial professionals. His expertise in federal taxes was nationally recognized and he was admired for his dynamic presentations.

Beyond his professional life,

Vern was a man of many personal triumphs. His 45 years of sobriety were a testament to his strength and determination. His service in the U.S. Army Reserve was another point of pride, reflecting his dedication to his country. He also loved his home state of Montana.

Vern’s love for his family was evident in all that he did.

He especially loved grand gestures and adventurous vacations, including a romantic two-week cruise with his wife in April to the Caribbean. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon Kreider, and her three children, Holly, Keith, and Stephanie; grandchildren Amanda, Jason, Sarena, and Carmen; and great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Jazlynne, and Taylor. He also leaves behind his children, Corey and Jill, and their children Paisley, Liam, Broder, McKenzie, and Westley, all of whom he cherished deeply.

Vern’s final reflection

In the oral history recorded by his step-son Keith for the occasion of Vern’s 80th birthday in September 2023, Vern’s final reflection was: “I’ll die happy.” We should all be so blessed.