Robert "Bob" Hockstad

Robert “Bob” Hockstad 98, of Elk Rapids died on Sunday January 16, 2011 at Hope Village Assisted living. He was born in Pontiac on December 11, 1912, the son of Enor and Francis (MacDonald) Hockstad. Bob married Pauline Fort on April 12, 1942 in Traverse City; she preceded him in death in 1988. He founded and operated Elk Rapids Packing Co. Bob was a Veteran of the US Army, a member of the VFW, AmVets Post 145. He was very active in Elk Rapids. Bob was a member of the Elk Rapids United Methodist Church, was a charter member of Elk Rapids Golf club, Charter member and Past President of Elk Rapids Rotary, He was president of the Elk Rapids Village Council, Justice of the Peace, and served 24 years on the Elk Rapids School Board. Bob was also a member of the Traverse City Elks, and co- founder of Harbor Days. The Masonic Lodge was a very important part of Bob’s life. Bob was a Past Grand Master in 1966, Past Grand Secretary, Past Grand Treasurer, and a 33 Degree Mason. He was Past Master of Elk Rapids Masonic Lodge, he held memberships in Scottish Rite, York Rite, Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, the Eastern Star, and was active in the DeMolay. Bob taught a group of students Latin so that they could gain admission to various colleges. Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family. He is survived by his four daughters; Roberta Steffen of Saline, Judy (Tom) Trerice of Normal IL, Kathy Lake of Williamsburg, and Patricia (Chuck) Dawson of Los Corrales NM, (12) Grandchildren, (19) Great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, his parents, his sisters Dorothea and Phyllis, his brothers; Howard, Bruce and Gordon, two sons-in-law; Donald Lake and Jim Steffen, and one grandson Stewart Dawson. Memorial Services will be held on Sunday January 23, 2011 at 3pm from Covell Funeral Home, 312 Pine Street, Elk Rapids. The Grand Lodge will officiate. Visitation will be held on Saturday January 22, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a Masonic Candle Light Service at 7pm. Memorials may be given in Bob’s name to the charity of your choice or your local Masonic Lodge. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Elk Rapids.