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Don Brian Hokel

October 20, 1951 - July 18, 2017

Don Brian Hokel was born, October 20, 1951, to Bud and Katherine Hokel and raised in Ankeny, Iowa. Brian was baptized in the Ankeny 1st Congregational Church, where he became an active member throughout his younger years and many times sang in the church choir along with their Dad. He was the 2nd son and middle child of the family. When Brian was young, he enjoyed television – a lot! His favorite shows were cartoons, scary movies such as The Mummy and Frankenstein, and anything “science fiction”. While young, Brian also had fun playing along with all the neighbor kids in the Scott Street neighborhood. His active imagination always made for fun times.
When in school, he joined the band, playing the clarinet from grade school through high school. He was in concert and marching bands. He also was in the Drama Club while in high school and starred in a couple of plays. He could be hilarious on stage.
Brian was involved in The Boy Scouts of America, Troop 88 for many years, earning his Arrow of Light award among other major achievements.
While in high school, Brian worked at Logli’s Super Value grocery store and The Breese House restaurant. Brian graduated from Ankeny High School in 1969. After high school, Brian attended Iowa State University. Again he enjoyed being active in the theatre while enrolled at ISU. Brian, in the 1970’s, also served for 6 years in the Iowa National Guard.
Brian worked at Tone’s spices in Ankeny for several years, until, at the age of 45. He began to have health problems, and his kidneys shut down and were no longer functional. He went on dialysis 3 times a week for five years, until he finally received a matching kidney, which served him well for the rest of his life. Even while receiving dialysis, he made the staff laugh.
Brian lived with and took care of his – and Bruce’s and Barb’s – Mom for many years. He also had a couple cats that were very special parts of his life and meant a lot to him. When their Mom fell ill, Brian moved to Kentucky with a friend, where he lived for several years. After that, he moved back to Iowa for a brief time, before relocating to San Francisco to live and work. He acquired a job at the Home Depot Kitchen Design, which he loved very much. Hard times brought him back to Iowa again, and he found work at the K-Mart Garden Center.
After returning to Iowa for the last time, Brian became affiliated with the Lutheran Church of HOPE where he attended services as often as possible.
Everywhere Brian went, he made people smile and laugh. He had a quick wit and good sense of humor.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Lutheran Church of HOPE and all of the wonderful, caring people at Manor Care, Polk City Nursing Home, and Suncrest Hospice The unconditional loving care, music, and support are amazing. Also, much appreciation to all the family and friends who provided personal words of comfort, cards, thoughts and prayers during his final days, your support and love mean more that you know.