Bill Ward Hockman

Bill Ward Hockman was born Dec. 24, 1924, in Cincinnati, Iowa, to Kenneth L. (Roy) and Fannie (Smith) Hockman. He was raised in Ames, where he attended Ames High School. He worked in the family business, Roy Hockman and Sons, and later went to work at Iowa State University until he retired. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On Dec. 19, 1946, he married Ruth Marian Buechler in Boone. The couple made their home in Ames for 66 years. They moved to Rochester in 2009. Ruth preceded him in death March 13, 2012. He was a member of the Arcadia Masonic Lodge No. 249 A.F. & A. M. in Ames, where he progressed through all the chairs, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He helped refurbish and restore the sanctuary for First Christian Church of Ames. He enjoyed being with his family, fishing and woodworking, and was an avid ISU fan.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather; and is survived by one daughter, Elaine (John) Cummings, of Rochester; two sons, David (Michele) Hockman, of Olathe, Kan., and Kurt (Monica) Hockman, of Garland, Texas; three granddaughters, Katherine and Jessica Cummings and Marissa Hockman; one brother, Paul (Rene) Hockman, of Jewell; and one sister, Lynda (Oge) Forre, of Slater.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one brother; and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Mayo Foundation for Diabetes Research, Dept of Development, 200 First Street, SW; Rochester, MN 55905-9817.