Obituary for
Melvin Hokanson
Melvin Dennis Hokanson
August 21, 1930 – August 13, 2018
On the afternoon of Monday, August 13, 2018, Melvin Dennis Hokanson, late of Estevan, SK passed peacefully into eternal life with family by his side at the age of 87 years.
Mel is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Rose Hokanson (Yaworski), daughter, Gloria (Doug) Gee, son Dale (Cindy) Hokanson. Grandchildren Heather (Shane Peterson) Gee, Brenden (Jasmine) Gee, Erik (Terra Lynn Weeks) Gee, Lauren (Mike) Posey, Kelly Hokanson, Kyle (Cassy Smart) Hokanson. Great grandson, Evan Peterson. Siblings Wilbur (aka Red)(Judi) Hokanson, Margaret Fernetti, Henry (Lynn) Hokanson, Shirley Uchacz. Brother-in-law, John Yaworski (Bertha Moore), sister-in-law, Tillie (Frank) Chopik. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Nellie (Downes) & Adler Hokanson, sisters Edith Hitchens, Doreen Hokanson (infancy), Dorothy Hokanson (infancy) & brother, Warren Hokanson, brother-in-laws Roy Hitchens, Don Uchacz, Frank Fernetti & Walter Yaworski.
Mel was born on the family farm near Hazelcliff, SK and attended school until grade 8 when he went to work to help support the family. He worked briefly for the railroad then worked as a hired hand on a local farm. He met Rose Yaworski of Ituna, SK at Yorkton, SK. They were married on November 26, 1955. Mel became employed with the oil industry and they initially resided in Gull Lake, SK then transferred to Drayton Valley, AB and Edmonton, AB before coming to Estevan in 1956. They were blessed with two children, Gloria (1956) & Dale (1957). Mel was employed at Steelman Gas Plant for 29 years. He also sold real estate and had an auctioneering business. Mel was dedicated to community service where he volunteered many, many hours of his life. He was Lignite Louie along with Bill Harris who was Billy the Kid at Estevan Winter Festival for a span of 10 years. He was involved with the Estevan Exhibition Association, the Estevan Oddfellows & the Bienfait Lions for a number of years. In 2017, he was awarded a 40 year membership pin to the Estevan Legion. He was also a member of the Estevan Elks Lodge, serving once as Exalted Ruler. He was a life member of the Estevan Wildlife Federation and worked tirelessly for them. His favorite job was looking after the clubhouse and grounds located at Boundary Dam. Besides his family, his pride & joy was the Estevan Wildlife Federation Youth Camp which he was instrumental in developing. The camp just completed it’s 21st year and Mel was involved in all but the last 2 when is health no longer allowed him to. Through these organizations, Mel and Rose made many life long friends both young and old that are left with fond memories of Mel.
The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, SK with Sandy Daziel officiating. Interment will take place at Estevan City Cemetery – Columbarium with the luncheon to be held at the parish auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Estevan Wildlife Federation Youth Camp, Box 105. Estevan, SK., S4A 2A2 in memory of Mel.
Yvonne Clark of Hall Funeral Services, Estevan is assisting the Hokanson family.
Order Flowers
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Melvin Dennis
Hokanson 1930 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Estevan, Province: Saskatchewan