Kenneth S. Hocking

Longtime Alaska and Palmer resident Kenneth S. Hocking, 80, passed away Oct. 1, 2008 at home in Columbia Falls, Mont., with loved ones by his side, including his wife, Kristie.

A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. today, Sunday, Oct. 19, at American Legion Post 15 near Palmer on Outer Springer Loop. In accordance with his wishes, Hocking is being returned to Alaska to be buried next to his first wife, Helen Hocking, at Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla.

Hocking was born March 28, 1928 to Dewey and Nana Hocking in Jackson, Minn. He grew up an Iowa farm boy until he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He saw enough of the world to know it would be hard to stay in one place very long. After marrying Helen Munden, the couple moved to many places in Montana, Oregon and Washington. Hocking worked a variety of jobs, from mechanic to police officer.

Hocking came to Alaska to work and moved his family here, first to Cantwell in 1956. He worked as a heavy equipment operator and foreman building roads, runways and radar sites for the federal government in many remote places around Alaska. He settled in Palmer in 1967.

Hocking enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends for many years.

He retired from the 21st Civil Engineering Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1977 and he and Helen spent many years traveling the Lower 48 in their motor home, buying, fixing up and selling homes all around the country.

After the passing of Helen in 1997, Hocking married Kristie Verrall. They settled in Montana, where they had a large network of family and friends. He would travel frequently north to Alaska during the summertime to spend time with kids, grandkids and friends.

Hocking was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion.

“He loved his family, always had time for the grandchildren and was ready to go fishing at a moment’s notice,” his family wrote. “His great sense of humor will be missed.”

Hocking was lucky to meet and marry two wonderful women in his lifetime. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Kristie; sons Tom (Dianne) Hocking, Ron Hocking and Gary (Tammy) Hocking; daughter Janice (Steve) Reynolds; grandchildren Sean, Chad, James, Shelly, Andrea, Hayley, Cody, Dylan, Jackie and Kenny; six great-grandchildren; and extended family Dawn, Rhonda, Michelle and Ryan. He is also survived by brothers Lyle (LaRue) Hocking of Big Fork, Minn., and Jim (Betty) Hocking of Lolo, Mont.