Roger J. Hocking

Roger John Hocking, age 73, of Park Rapids, MN, passed into eternal life at his home surrounded by his loved ones Monday morning, November 8, 2021. Roger was born on April 12, 1948, in Hibbing, MN to William and Delores (Hanson) Hocking. He graduated from the Hibbing Highschool and the Hibbing Vocational-Technical College. As a young man, he gained employment with the Gibson Pamida Stores in Hibbing. On September 18, 1970, he was united in marriage to Rita Gangl at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Buckman, MN. Their union was blessed with two children: Jackie and Scott. In 1983, Roger and Rita moved to the Park Rapids area, where Roger continued to work for Gibson Pamida for 25 years. After retirement from Pamida he engaged himself in the ownership and operation of a number of small businesses. He enjoyed being a Jack of all Trades. He was a longtime member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. When time allowed he loved to tinker with classic cars and fishing the area lakes. He also enjoyed playing golf and enjoyed telling humorous stories and jokes. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren which were “the apple of his eye”. Roger will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Rita; his daughter, Jackie (Darren) Beavers and their children: Jane & Roland Beavers of Bertha, MN; his son, Scott (Jolynn) Hocking and their children: Ashley and Zach Hocking of Park Rapids. Two brothers: William (Amy) Hocking of Abilene, TX and Dale (Dolly) Hocking of Rosemount, MN; two sisters: Diane (Stan) Schwede of St. Charles, MO and Carol (Brad) Johnson of Hibbing, MN; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking to send memorials to the Roger Hocking Memorial Fund at Citizens National Bank in Park Rapids