Dr. Robert "Bob" O. Hokkanen, 77, of 219 Roosevelt Ave., died Thursday, September 21, 2000 at Sacred Heart Hospital, with his family by his side. He was born February 6, 1923 to Otto and Katie (Maki) Hokkanen in Ely, MN.\r\nBob served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII as First Lieutenant assigned to an A-26 Bomber Squadron, where he was certified as copilot, navigator and bombardier. He also directed an Army Military Band.\r\nHe graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1950, and was a member of the Zeta-Kappa Chapter of the PSI Omega Fraternity. In 1950, he began private practice in Eau Claire, retiring in 1987.\r\nBob married Jean C. Kiel on March 21, 1950 in St. Paul, MN. \r\nBob was a talented classical and jazz trombonist. He played with various brass quintets, University musicals, operas and local jazz groups, was a long-time member of the UWEC Symphony Orchestra and the Chippewa Valley Symphony Orchestra.\r\nHe served on the Eau Claire Waterways and Parks Commission, was previously a member of the Lion's Club, the Water Street Businessman's Association, Eau Claire Lodge #347 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Eau Claire, and the Shriners. \r\nBob who enjoyed working with his hands, was a model airplane enthusiast and woodworker. He was a lousy deer hunter but did get his moose.\r\nSurvivors include two sons, Gary (Judith) Hokkanen of Fort Wayne, IN and Tom (Cindra) Hokkanen of Washington Island, WI; a daughter, Laura Hokkanen of Eau Claire; a brother-in-law, Dr. Victor Krause of Edina, MN; a niece; and two nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his wife Jean in 1997; and a sister, Florence Krause.\r\nFuneral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, with Father Edmund Klimek officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home.\r\nThe family prefers memorials be directed to Wisconsin Public Radio or to the Ely City Band in Ely,MN.\r\n

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