Charles Hockenberry

On August 9, 2010, Chuck Hockenberry was reunited with his beloved wife of 64 years. E’Rena preceded him in death by three months, and while he bravely carried on without her, we know his heart was always with her.

Dad was born on February 4, 1924. His parents died when he was an adolescent, and at the age of 14 he went to live with his aunt and uncle in Greeley, Colorado, where he and E’Rena met in junior high school. Chuck enlisted in the army in 1943 and served overseas during World War II as a Chemical Warfare Technician. He was awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, and upon his discharge he returned to Greeley where he married his sweetheart on March 17, 1946.

Dad graduated from the Colorado State College of Education (now UNC) in 1950 with a B.A. in business and a minor in economics. He was employed by the Gas Equipment company in WheatRidge, Colorado, where he and Mom bought their first home. Dad eventually owned the business and remained there until he retired. His family was always his first priority, and he supported all of us in a variety of endeavors. He was active in little league baseball, coaching and encouraging young boys regardless of their skill or talent. He dressed up as a cheerleader and played basketball while riding backwards on a donkey to support team spirit at our high school. He participated in many musical programs that Mom organized for local schools, hospitals and nursing homes, and he celebrated with his granddaughters’ athletic teams by providing limo rides to the Dairy Queen.

Our Dad taught us about the value of friendships and the power of having a sense of humor. Although he was significantly handicapped by strokes for the last 17 year of life, he maintained the ability to readily recall happy memories and make others smile. He made friends easily, even while in hospitals and rehab centers, and he also remained committed to many life-long friends who have been an incredible source of comfort and support to our family.

Chuck is survived by his son, Ted and his children Lyndsy Metzler (Travis) and Lexi Hockenberry, and also by her daughter, Coreen Boeding (John Grogan), and grandson Sean Grogan (Melissa) and great-grandchildren Connor and Katy Grogan. Many of his grandaughters’ friends called him “Granddad,” and he loved them all.

We will honor his life on August 13, 2010 with graveside military honors provided by the United States Army at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception and lunch. We have also scheduled a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 that morning. All events will take place at the Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery on Wadsworth and 29th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. The family invites you to dress in casual clothes or patriotic colors and join with us in sharing memories and our gratitude for the many ways he enriched our lives.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Chuck’s name to the Estes Park Junior Golf Program (P.O. Box 1379, Estes Park, CO. 80517).