Virgil E. Hockenson, 74, of Albert Lea, formerly of Scarville, Iowa, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Church in Vinje, Iowa, with the Rev. Chris Fiske officiating. Burial will take place at Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 E. Main St. in Lake Mills and one hour prior to services at the church.
Virgil Elden Hockenson was born on Oct. 28, 1933, in Winnebago County, to parents Cyril and Hester (Randall) Hockenson. He was baptized at Bethel Lutheran Church, Vinje, Iowa, and graduated from Scarville High School, where he was proud to have been the manager for the Scarville High School basketball team.
On Dec. 20, 1954, Virgil was united in marriage with Faye Flatrud. The couple made their home in rural Scarville, Iowa, where Virgil was a lifelong farmer. After high school he worked in a mechanic shop in Scarville, and helped a friend with his racing team. He enjoyed tractor pulling, both participating and watching.
In 1955, Virgil was showcased in “Look” magazine, in an article about the tremendous amount of weight he had lost. Hobbies of Virgil’s included fishing and camping with his family. In later years he helped take care of some of his older neighbors.
Even after Virgil entered St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea, he still continued to “farm.” Just as he had test plots for corn on his farm in his younger years, he had a patch of sweet corn he tended to at the nursing home. He also kept busy running the candy cart for the residents and their guests.
Virgil will be missed and remembered by his three children, Virginia Kesler and her husband, Dan of Lake Mills, Iowa, Virgene Hockenson and his wife, Sylvia of Forest City, Iowa, and Carrie Hanson and her husband, Scott of Lake Mills; five grandchildren, Ryan (Shannon) Kesler, Brent (special friend, Tiffany Strand) Kesler, Lauren Kesler, MaKenna Hanson and Kinser Hanson; and two great-granddaughters, Téah and Tenley Kesler. He is also survived by two sisters, Wilma (David) Leland of Bricelyn, and Nylene (Ken) Mannes of Lake Mills; an uncle Bud (Lois) Hockenson of Plymouth, Iowa; aunt Pearl Wegener of Mason City, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Faye; a son in infancy, Paul Hockenson; and a special friend from St. John’s, Pearl Krueger.
You can contact the family with on-line condolences at: www.mittelstadtfuneralhome.com.