Karl G. Hokenmaier

HOKENMAIER, Mr. Karl G.
Portage, Michigan
Age 83 Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Karl passed away in the presence of family on the morning of Tuesday, December 9, 2008, and is now in the loving arms of his Lord. He was a very gentle, generous and warm hearted person and will always hold a special place in the hearts of his family and friends. Karl was born December 8, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Karl J. and Elsa M. Hokenmaier. He was a veteran of World War II, earning a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Karl worked as an electrotyper at Crescent Engraving and Platecraft in Kalamazoo. On July 15, 1950, Karl was married to Gertrude Mae Norcross at the Casco United Methodist Church in South Haven, Michigan. With the help of his wife, he obtained Bachelors and Masters Degrees in education from Western Michigan University and went on to teach for many years in the elementary grades in the Portage Public School System. He was preceded in death by his parents Karl J. and Elsa M. Hokenmaier; his wife of 56 years, Gertrude M. Hokenmaier; his sister-in-law Bess Goff and brothers-in-law Neil Norcross and Robert Goff. He is survived by his four children: Karl G. Hokenmaier, Glenn K. Cindy Hokenmaier, Debra A. James Houseman, and Robert J. Kairi Hokenmaier; his seven grandchildren: Julie R. Hokenmaier, Jason G. Hokenmaier, Jon K. Sarah Hokenmaier, Amanda A. Houseman Kevin Orosz, Brian J. Houseman, Ali M. Hokenmaier, Mikelyn J. Hokenmaier; and a great-grandson, Jacob G. Hokenmaier; two step-grandchildren Amber Eric Dobbs and Mike Novisky; two step-great-grandchildren Madeline and Adrian Dobbs. Karl is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty J. Norcross; nieces and nephews; David Mindy Goff, Diane Dick DeKam, Lee Bonnie Norcross, Karen Michael Gray, Neil Cecilia Norcross, and Roy Elaine Norcross. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:30 PM Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the Price of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham Ave., with Rev. Paul Nuechterlein officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:30 PM Saturday, one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Michigan, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Kalamazoo. www.langelands.com 343-1508