Kenneth E. Hokanson 75, of Shrewsbury, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, August 11, 2013 surrounded by his loving family after his long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.

He leaves his wife of 49 years, Beverly E. (Parker) Hokanson; his children Glenn K. Hokanson and his fiancée, Karen M. Jenket of Shrewsbury, Ronald G. Hokanson and his wife, Dinabeth of Wilbraham, Karen M. Hokanson of West Grove, PA and Jeffrey W. Hokanson and his wife, Rebecca of Keene, N.H.; four grandchildren, Christopher, Eric, Spencer and Taylor; a sister, Edith M. Comeau and her husband, Robert of Boylston; many nieces, nephews and his close canine companion, Miss Parker.

Ken was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late Elo R. and Edith G. (Bleauvelt) Hokanson. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade and served two years in the Navy on the DD709 Hugh Purvis.

Ken spent the majority of his work career as a Manufacturing Manager with Culver-Stearns in Worcester.

Ken’s greatest pleasure was spending quality time with his family and friends, but throughout his life he enjoyed and was extremely talented at a number of different endeavors. His passion and greatest gift was bird/wood carving, he produced numerous beautiful works of art that he has on many occasions used as precious gifts to his family and friends. He also had a love for and dedication to supporting and educating other cancer survivors through the Prostate Cancer Support Groups which he helped co-found in this area.

The family would like to offer their sincere and heartfelt thanks for the loving and supportive care provided by the individuals at Hospice and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. We would also like to express a special thanks to Dr. Taplin, whose will, determination and care, offered to Ken and his wife the opportunity to fight his disease for as long as he did. These gifts of love will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service celebrating Ken’s life on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at 1:00 PM in Salem Covenant Church, 215 E. Mountain St., Worcester, MA 01606. Calling hours and burial in Lakeview Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to FSHD, (www.mda.org/disease/fsh-muscular-dystrophy) or to Sherry’s House-Why Me, (www.whyme.org).