John R. (Wad) Hockett, age 89 of Austin died Friday, April 23, 2004 at his home.

He was born March 6, 1915 in Redwood Falls, Minn. to Enos and Helen (Murset) Hockett. He was a graduate of Albert Lea high School and attended the University of Minnesota. He was married to Laura May Rodee on October 26, 1940 at Decorah, Iowa. John was a master photographer and owned and operated the Hockett Studio in Austin for 40 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Elks, Lions, Rotary, Austin County Club, and the National and Minnesota Associations of Photographers.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

A Memorial service will be held Monday, April 26, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin with Fidelity Lodge #39 AF & AM conductiing the service. The burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Albert Lea. Friends may greet the family for one hour before the service on Monday.

John was survived by his wife, Laura May Hockett, Austin; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Virginia Hockett of Mendota Heights; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and William Frederick of Bonita Day, Fla., Kathryn and Duane Miron of Mahtomedia, Becky and Dennis Seter of Maple Grove, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren

The family prefers memorials to the donors choice.