Lyle "Butch" Elwood Hocking

Lyle Elwood Hocking (Butch), age 99, passed away on January 22, 2024 in Bigfork, MN.

Butch was born on November 7th, 1924 in Petersberg, MN to Dewey and Nana Hocking. He was the oldest of four sons. He attended school in Petersberg, MN and graduated from Jackson, MN high school in 1942. After graduating he entered the Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific theater, receiving a Purple Heart after being wounded. At the end of WWII he returned to the family farm and then traveled north to Bigfork where he met and married LaRue Vail in 1948. He and Lou were married for 74 years, raising 3 children. Butch loved to travel. He traveled to Greenland and worked building some of the first roads there. He and Lou also made many trips to the west and to Alaska. They owned and operated a canoe outfitting business for many years and Butch became the areas heating and plumbing provider. They enjoyed many camping and fishing trips to local lakes, Red Lake, and Canada.

Butch is survived by two daughters, Mary (Del) and Nanette (Jef). Six grandchildren, Erica (Troy), Courtni (Patrick), Travis (Andrea), Ashley, Rush, and Ethan (Samantha). Eight great- grandchildren, Tanner, Madison, Jackson, Paige, Manny, Tripp, Edwin, and Bennett.

Preceded in death by wife, LaRue, son, James, parents, and three brothers

Flowers can be ordered through Timber Rose Floral in Bigfork, MN

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