Melroy “Mel” Hokanson, Jr. 07/07/2025

Melroy “Mel” Hokanson, Jr., age 69, of River Falls, WI died unexpectedly on July 7, 2025 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Mel was born on December 31, 1955 in Goodhue County, MN to the late Leah Mae (Ohnstad) and Melroy Hokanson, Sr. The eldest of three brothers, Mel grew up on his parent’s farm in Cannon Falls, MN. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School and earned an Associate’s degree in Agricultural Banking from Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing in 1976. He married Michele Flynn in 1978 and they celebrated the birth of their son, Benjamin, later that year. In 1980 they welcomed a daughter, Heather, into their family. Mel and Michele raised their children in Hastings, MN, while maintaining a membership in the Jolly Roger Yacht Club and making many friends on the Mississippi River. Mel worked for Allstate Peterbilt of South Saint Paul for over twenty years and would go on to found his own business, Midwest Equipment Sales, in 2004, which he would operate for nearly twenty years before nominally retiring in 2022. In fact, Mel worked until the end of his life to help his neighbors, friends, and friends of friends prosper. Mel’s generosity continues on through his gift of organ donation.

In 2002 Mel and Michele established their home in River Falls, WI, where they forged close bonds with their neighbors in the St. Croix Riviera Beach Association. In 1980 he acquired a plot of beautiful land near Foxboro, WI, where he pursued his passions for hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. After his retirement Mel developed a knack for acting, finding community among his fellow players in the River Falls Community Theatre. Mel was a devoted husband, an adoring grandfather, and a loving father to both his children and his dogs; he enjoyed a very special bond with his surviving golden retriever, Olaf. Along with his wife, Michele, he is survived by his two children Benjamin (Tiffany) Hokanson of Zimmerman, MN, and Heather (Lauren DeLand) Hokanson of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Charlie (Cora Conrad) Hokanson and Lucas and Izzy Hokanson of Zimmerman; two brothers, Mitchell (Donna) Hokanson and Mark (Dawn Duffy)
Hokanson of Red Wing, MN, and many other nieces, nephews, and cherished relatives and friends.

A celebration of Mel’s life was held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division St.) in River Falls. Visitation was at 11:00 am, followed by a memorial service at 12 noon where friends were encouraged to share their memories of Mel. A luncheon will follow the service.

Click here to watch the recording of Mel’s service.

Arrangements are handled by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.