Patrick Hokanson

Patrick O’Leary Hokanson, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the age of 54. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, yet also brings the comfort of knowing he is no longer in pain and now rests in peace.

Patrick was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Ed and Katherine Hokanson. During his childhood the family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado. From a young age, his life was shaped by a deep love for nature and adventure. He enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing, soccer, hiking, camping in his father’s pop-up camper, swimming, and spending time at Lake Powell. He was a passionate and accomplished competitive cyclist, earning numerous state-level awards.

During his teenage years, the family relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas, where Patrick formed lifelong friendships that have remained dear to him throughout his life. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School in 1990, he returned to Grand Junction and in 1992 he chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Being a sailor profoundly shaped him, allowing him to see the world and collect experiences and stories he carried with him always.

In 1994 Patrick’s life changed forever following a car accident while on leave in Guam. What might have broken many instead awakened in him a remarkable strength. From that moment on, he lived with fierce independence, creativity, and determination—qualities that defined his character and made him a quiet inspiration to all who knew him.

Patrick shared his life with Amy Flatley Hokanson, whom he married on August 30, 1997, and together they built a loving family. He was a deeply devoted father to his children, Stella Katherine Hokanson and Owen Edward Hokanson. He was present for every game, every milestone, and every meaningful moment. Patrick spent countless hours cheering Owen on at football and basketball games, reading and watching movies with Stella, and sharing his love for the Kansas City Royals, University of Kansas basketball, and music—one of the great joys of his life.

He earned an associate degree in Computer-Aided Drafting from Johnson County Community College in 2000 and built his professional career at Smith & Boucher, Inc where his creativity and dedication were greatly valued.

Patrick lived fully. He traveled, laughed, and created unforgettable memories with his family and amazing caregivers. He saw the face of someone who loved him every day. He participated in two Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinics in Snowmass, Colorado, where he rediscovered the freedom of skiing and the mountains he loved. Summers often found him at Kauffman Stadium as a devoted Royals fan, and he remained a passionate follower of KU basketball.

Patrick’s love for dogs was deep and unconditional. In 2014 he received his service dog, Pal, who became his constant and inseparable companion. He also shared countless joyful moments with his beloved dogs, Louie and Sue, who filled his life with movement, play, and affection.

At the request of his daughter, Patrick’s ashes will be divided. One portion will rest alongside his mother, Katherine Love O’Leary (Myers), at Mount Moriah Cemetery. The other will be taken to Lake Powell, Utah—a place Patrick loved deeply and spoke of often—so that his children may experience it with the same sense of wonder he always shared in his stories.

Patrick is survived by his father and step-mother, Ed and Janet Hokanson; his children, Owen Edward and Stella Katherine, and their mother Amy; his sisters Paisley Case and Helen (Holly) Hokanson; his brother Edward (Bill) Hokanson; and uncountable in-laws, nieces and nephews,

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Patrick and Pal’s memory with a donation to Canine Companions for Independence. Patrick was a creative and resourceful man who often designed his own adaptive technologies to live a full and meaningful life. If this cause does not resonate with you, please consider donating with love to an organization meaningful to your heart.

Patrick lived with intensity, courage, and love. He left an indelible mark on every person fortunate enough to know him and on every place he called home. Above all, he was love—love for his family, for life, for music, sports, and nature, and for all who walked beside him. His laughter, kindness, and free spirit live on in his children, in shared memories, in the mountains he loved, and in the lake that held such meaning for him. Though his absence is deeply felt, his love and legacy will remain with us forever.

A visitation will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, on January 8, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A memorial service with full military honors will follow at the same location from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The service will be available via live stream at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26013409669633