John Reuben Hokanson's Obituary
John R. Hokanson, 90, of Tulsa, OK passed away January 21, 2023, at St. John’s hospital in Tulsa, OK, surrounded by family.
John was born October 17, 1932 to parents Reuben & Kathryn Hokanson in Marquette, KS. After graduating from Marquette High School, he enlisted in the US Navy for four years. When he was honorably discharged, the GI Bill enabled him to attend Kansas State University where he received a BS in economics in 1959.
He accepted a position in Pryor, OK where he worked as a reporter and later, editor of the Pryor Daily Times newspaper.
He married Rubie Steffens in 1960 and in 1961 they moved to Norman, OK and he received his MA in Economics in 1962.
When he was finishing his work at OU, he was hired by a representative of the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland, MD. He later transferred to Department of Commerce, International Commerce, Africa division. He then joined the Civil Aeronautics Board and worked there from 1966 to 1985. Later, the CAB became a part of the Dept of Transportation where he worked until retirement in 1988.
After retirement he worked as a consultant for the Nammack Associates for about 10 years. He moved back to OK in 1996.
John enjoyed hiking & camping near Skyline Dr., golfing, going to jazz concerts, gardening, among other things.
John is survived by his wife, Rubie; son, Darrell Steffens of Broken, Arrow; sister, Lucille Mitchell of Kansas City, MO; niece, Laurie Mitchell of Kansas City, MO and nephew, Steve Mitchell of Albuquerque, NM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Jude Children's Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or
Donate by Phone: (800) 805-5856
Memorial services will be held Thursday, January 26 at 10:00 AM, Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel.
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