JEAN C. HOKKANEN, 72, of 219 Roosevelt Ave., died Thursday, October 2, 1997 at Sacred Heart Hospital with her family by her side. Jean was born May 12, 1925 in Hibbing,MN to Leo P. and Laura (Blackmore) Kiel and raised by her grandparents, Hiram and Jenny Blackmore in Ely,MN.\r\nJean married her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Robert Hokkanen of Ely,MN on March 21, 1950 in St. Paul,MN.\r\nMom was an avid lover of animals and wildlife, she enjoyed adopting stray animals and viewing and feeding the multitude of animals that would visit her Eau Claire home. Her career was her devotion and support of her husband and family for 47 years until her death.\r\nSurvivors include her husband, Dr. Robert; two sons, Gary (Judith) Hokkanen of Fort Wayne,IN, Tom (Cindra) Hokkanen of Washington Island,WI; a daughter, Laura Hokkanen of West St. Paul,MN and her close friend Kate O'Conner of Eau Claire; as well as many other friends, relatives and pets.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; and sister-in-law, Florence (Hokkanen) Krause.\r\nFuneral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home with Father Edmund Klimek officiating. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home.\r\nThe Family prefers memorials be directed to Ducks Unlimited or the wildlife organization of your choice.\r\n

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