JOHN E. HOKKANEN's Obituary
John Erick Hokkanen, 63, of Brighton and L'Anse passed peacefully on Sunday, February 14th, 2010 at his home in Brighton.
He is survived by his loving wife Carole; son Benton Hokkanen and daughter Ericka Hokkanen; sister Phyllis (Richard) Kruse of L'Anse; nephews Erick (Sue) Kruse and Kurt (Hillary) Kruse and families. He is also survived by extended family and many many friends.
Born in Eureka, California and raised in L'Anse and Allen Park, Michigan, he was the son of William and Elsie (Pyhtila) Hokkanen.
John started his career working as an overhead lineman and then moving on to work for General Motors. He retired in 2007 with 30 years of service. John took a great deal of pride in his work, and it showed in his prosperity and joy in life,
John had a passion for hunting and fishing and was an avid outdoors man. Even without success in during the hunt, John never the less enjoyed time in the woods and his time spent with his hunting buddies.
To his friends and family he was a very kind person and was always ready to help. He always had a solution to every problem and had his way of making things simple. He never asked anybody for help and was a very generous man, and he never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. He was caring and selfless towards his family, always putting their need before his own. He showed strength until the end of his time here with us and will be greatly missed by all who ever had the chance to know him. He lived his life with SISU and was extremely proud of his Finnish heritage. He was an exceptional human being and it showed in his zest for life.
Services were held at United Lutheran Church, L'Anse, Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1 p.m. Friends gathered at the church from 12 noon until the time of the service. The Reverend Scott Williams officiated. Spring interment will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: National Kidney Foundation www.kidney.org.
What’s your fondest memory of JOHN?
What’s a lesson you learned from JOHN?
Share a story where JOHN's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with JOHN you’ll never forget.
How did JOHN make you smile?