Walter Hokenstad

Walter A. Hokenstad, a descendant of Norwegian pioneers, was born in Sioux Falls, SD on July 28, 1904; he died unexpectedly and peacefully on June 10, 2009 in Peoria, AZ. Walter, an outstanding athlete, graduated from Augustana College where he was the first inductee into Augustana Athletic Hall of Fame. He taught sciences and coached at Montrose, and Arlington, SD where he met his wife. He married Ruby Olson, a Latin and English teacher, in 1935; he joined the International Harvester Co. where he advanced from sales to management. In 1947, he became an owner in an International Harvester dealership in Griswold, IA which continued for 47 years. Walter was very active in the community, taught Sunday school, served on Presbyterian/Methodist church boards. He chaired school boards in Sioux Falls, Griswold, and in Cass County, he was a board member of Hardware Mutual, Cass County Hospital and a Foundation Trustee/Chair, and a founder of Iowa Western Community College. Also, he was instrumental in creating the Cass County Mental Health Center, and served as president. Walter played golf till over 100, with several holes-in one and shot his age at 77. More than golf he loved and he was loyal to his family, immediate and extended. His life flowed from his family. He was a man of both youthful zest and maturity throughout his life. He was admired for his integrity, sense of humor, graciousness, social consciousness, organizational abilities, and inexhaustible energy-he was a very unique and amazing man. He is survived by sons John Marje, Greenbrae, CA and Paul, Laramie, WY; grandchildren Peter, Neil and Anne Hokenstad, and Christin Hokenstad. After Ruby's death in 1981 Walter had the wonderful fortune to be with Heloise Johnston died 2001 and be a surrogate father and grandfather to her family, Jay Kathy, Bob Sheri, and Shelly Noah. He was a support to, and valued friend of his many nephews and nieces. We thought he would live forever and he will be missed by all. Funeral services for Walter will be at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at Lakeview United Methodist Church, 10298 W. Thunderbird Blvd., Sun City, AZ. Interment service 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Griswold Methodist Church with interment to follow at the Griswold Cemetery in Griswold, Iowa.