1924
Herbert
2012
Herbert J. Hokinson
January 11, 1924 — February 20, 2012
Affectionately known as "Junior," Herbert J. Hokinson of Sherrard, IL died from a stroke on Monday, February 20, 2012 at Trinity Rock Island. Private interment will be at Chippiannock Cemetery in Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Sherrard Fire Protection District, PO Box 516, Sherrard, Illinois 61281.
He was born on January 11, 1924 in Milan to Herbert and Edna (Blaser) Hokinson. In 1931 his parents bought a farm east of Sherrard, where he continued to live until two weeks before his death. He often talked of the hard times endured during the Great Depression as the family struggled to keep the farm.
In addition to farming, Junior worked at John Deere, retiring in 1983 after nearly 30 years. He began farming as a child and often said that if he could spend the entire day on a tractor, he would be content. He was self-effacing, gentle, loyal and generous. He loved children, animals and especially his family. His loving attention to his mother in her last years has become a local legend.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marilyn H. Ghezzi, Gladys H. Clarke Minteer, and Warren Hokinson. He is survived by nieces Pat (and Dave) Hansen and Norma (and Victor) Hanson, both of California; nephew Garry E. (and Melissa) Clarke, of Maryland; four grandnieces, Catharine Ingersoll, Elizabeth Clarke, Kristi Hansen and Erika Hansen; sister-in-law Verna Hokinson of California; brother-in-law, Alfredo Ghezzi of Canada and Spain; and a close friend, Karen Eade of Milan.
Due to the shock of Junior's sudden death and the great distances that we have to travel, we have decided to postpone the memorial and celebration of his life. We feel that any attempt to hasten this important event would be a disservice to the honor of one of the finest individuals we have ever known. We hope that his many friends and neighbors will understand our decision and join us on the afternoon of June 2 at 3 pm at the Hokinson farm to share memories and stories of Junior. We would like to thank all of his friends for their love and support during his brief illness.
Fondly,
Pat, Norma and Garry
He was born on January 11, 1924 in Milan to Herbert and Edna (Blaser) Hokinson. In 1931 his parents bought a farm east of Sherrard, where he continued to live until two weeks before his death. He often talked of the hard times endured during the Great Depression as the family struggled to keep the farm.
In addition to farming, Junior worked at John Deere, retiring in 1983 after nearly 30 years. He began farming as a child and often said that if he could spend the entire day on a tractor, he would be content. He was self-effacing, gentle, loyal and generous. He loved children, animals and especially his family. His loving attention to his mother in her last years has become a local legend.
Junior was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marilyn H. Ghezzi, Gladys H. Clarke Minteer, and Warren Hokinson. He is survived by nieces Pat (and Dave) Hansen and Norma (and Victor) Hanson, both of California; nephew Garry E. (and Melissa) Clarke, of Maryland; four grandnieces, Catharine Ingersoll, Elizabeth Clarke, Kristi Hansen and Erika Hansen; sister-in-law Verna Hokinson of California; brother-in-law, Alfredo Ghezzi of Canada and Spain; and a close friend, Karen Eade of Milan.
Due to the shock of Junior's sudden death and the great distances that we have to travel, we have decided to postpone the memorial and celebration of his life. We feel that any attempt to hasten this important event would be a disservice to the honor of one of the finest individuals we have ever known. We hope that his many friends and neighbors will understand our decision and join us on the afternoon of June 2 at 3 pm at the Hokinson farm to share memories and stories of Junior. We would like to thank all of his friends for their love and support during his brief illness.
Fondly,
Pat, Norma and Garry
Service Details
Saturday, June 2nd, 2012, 3:00pm, Hokinson Farm
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