EUGENE JAMES HOKENESS, age 78, of Adrian, died Friday, November 9, 2012, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne. He was born April 19, 1934, to Casper and Leatha (Johnson) Hokeness, in the house he grew up in on the farm south of Rushmore.
Gene married Eileen Thier on August 30, 1956. After their marriage, the couple lived in Verona, Italy where Gene was stationed. He served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. After being discharged, they moved back to Nobles County where they farmed. They moved to Adrian in 1995.
He was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church; and the Adrian American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, camping, summers up north with his friends & family and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Gene is survived by his wife, Eileen Hokeness, Adrian; two sons, Dean (Lynel) Hokeness, Rushmore; and Earl (Laurie) Hokeness, Rushmore; five daughters, Sharon (Steve) Lynn, Adrian; Cindy (Alan) Cox, Adrian; Lisa (Len) Bullerman, Omaha, NE; Carmen (Lane) Erlandson, Adrian; and Carol (Jeff) Tweet, Lismore; sixteen grandchildren, Starr (Paul) Burch, Michael Hokeness, Kristyn Hokeness, Jessica Lynn, Collin Lynn, Ashley (Spencer) Gosch, Mitchell (Kayla) Cox, Whitney Cox, Kyle Bullerman, Anna Bullerman, Abby Erlandson, Brenna Erlandson, Kayla Erlandson, Alisha Tweet, Megan Tweet & Paige Tweet; two great grandchildren, Teagan Gosch & Brilyn Burch; a sister, Judy (Leonard) Grein, Anoka; and his step mother, Alice Hokeness, Adrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Sunday with parish prayers at 4pm at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian. Visitation also from 9:30 to 10:15am Monday at the funeral home. Funeral will be 10:30am Monday at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian, officiated by Fr. Andrew Beerman. Burial will be in the St. Adrian Cemetery.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book, or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com