Walter A. Hokenstad, 104, former resident of Griswold, died June 10, 2009 at Freedom Plaza Care Center in Peoria, AZ.

Walter Alvin Hokenstad, son of Norwegian pioneers Oben and Mary (Olson) Hokenstad, was born on July 28, 1904 in Sioux Falls, SD. Walter grew up in Sioux Falls and lived in Sioux Falls most of his first 45 years. He was the first and only person to attend Augustana schools from 1st grade through college. He was an outstanding athlete, and the first inductee into the Augustana Athletic Hall of Fame. He taught sciences and coached at Montrose and Arlington, SD where he met his wife. He married Ruby Olson, a Latin and English teacher on June 18, 1935 at Brookings, SD. He joined International Harvester Co. where he advanced from sales to management and then in 1947, he became an owner in an International Harvester dealership, Hokenstad and Wilson in Griswold, which continued for 47 years.

Walt was very active in the community, taught Sunday school, served on the Presbyterian/Methodist church boards. He chaired school boards in Sioux Falls, Griswold and the Cass County Board. He was a board member of Hardware Mutual, Cass County Hospital and a Foundation Trustee/Chair, and was a founder of Iowa Western Community College. Also, he was instrumental in creating the Cass County Mental Health Center and served as its president.

Walt played golf till over 100, with several holes-in one and shot his age at 77. More than golf, he loved and was loyal to his family, immediate and extended. His life flowed from his family. He was a man of both youthful zest and maturity throughout his life. He was admired for his integrity, sense of humor, graciousness, social consciousness, organizational abilities and his inexhaustible energy. He was a very unique and amazing man.

Walter died Wednesday, June 19, 2009 unexpectedly and peacefully at the Freedom Plaza Care Center in Peoria, AZ at the age of 104 years, 10 months and 12 days.

His sons John (Marje) of Greenbrae, CA and Paul of Laramie, WY and his grandchildren Peter, Neil and Anne Hokenstad, and Christin Hokenstad all survive him. After Ruby's death in 1981, Walter had the wonderful fortune to be with Heloise Johnston (died 2001) and be a surrogate father and grandfather to her family, Jay (Kathy), Bob (Sheri), and Shelly (Noah). He was a support to and a valued friend to his many nieces and nephews, many whom live(ed) in the Sioux Falls area: Bruce and Mary Boyd, Alan & Joan Berdahl, Howard and Louella Schlobohm, Mary Lou and Roy Martin, James and Susan Berdahl (now of Detroit, MI), Ruth Ann Schlobohm (now of Columbus, NE). We thought he would live forever and he will be missed by all.

Funeral services were held Tuesday June 16, 2009 in Sun City, AZ. An additional service will be held at the Griswold United Methodist Church in Griswold at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Pastor Leila Blackburn officiating. Burial will be in the Griswold Cemetery. Open visitation will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home beginning Sunday, June 21 at noon and the family will be present from 6:00 to 7:00 Monday evening. Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family with the local arrangements.