Rodney Hokenson ’53

Since 2009, updating some of that news: son Jim died at 52, in 2012, and had a celebration of his life befitting a wonderful man, especially his gift of music that blessed communities and churches and schools all over SE Michigan. We seem to have gotten older with all the rest of you, with all the health issues and joys that go with that time of life, especially in the memory department (sadly, esp. my wife of 50 years, Helen nee Forsgren). We rejoice in our lovely little home and huge yard and that we can mostly take care of it all, with a little help from our neighbors for the last 20 years. We now have 6 great grandchildren and 6 grandchildren and their 3 husbands who are such wonderful additions to our extended family. Jim’s 2 sons graduated last spring and moved on: Mark from Macalester college to live in Seattle area, Peter from HS to enrollment at St. Olaf in Northfield MN. He made the soccer varsity team there, bringing along his impressive record as HS league and county MVP and national Soccer Scholar-Athlete awards. We made a visit up that way a month ago, enjoying another great stay with Chuck and Marilyn Jacobsone…..Note: the team is undefeated in league play, including 4-0 victory at GAC (sorry!) as of Oct. 1. Nothing like a little family pride– we need all the help we can get, right….. Helen and I continue to enjoy this wonderful area and its cultural opportunities, and appreciate the contacts we have.