Kenneth Roy Hockelberg

Kenneth R. Hockelberg - July 31, 1934 - March 11, 2026

Ken was born in Gary, Indiana and upon graduation entered the US Air Force where he served in the NATO troops in France teaching cable splicing. He was discharged in Cheyenne Wyoming and on his way to Alaska made a stop in Jackson Wyoming, deciding to become a ski bum. He built a recreation residence on National Forest System lands up Granite Creek 37 miles from town. He met his wife to be Judy while she was working at Granite Creek Dude Ranch. They were married November 11, 1962. He worked for the National Park Service for 27 years at various parks including Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Parks and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Upon retirement Ken and Judy spent the summers at in Cody Wyoming at the Big Horn Basin Boat Club and built their house in Cottonwood Arizona in the winter. Ken loved fishing in Wyoming and helped out at the boat club including swimming out to rescue a dock at age 70. He also loved backpacking and hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim at age 73. He enjoyed wood working and staying busy all of the time in his garage even as he struggled through Alzheimers Disease. He was a great dog lover and while not the most social person had some amazing friends. He is survived by his wife Judy, and daughters Gretchen Hockelberg, Kristina Omiecinski (Scott), Cindy Hockelberg and two grandchildren Bryce and Ryne Omiecinski. He will be laid to rest at Immaculate Conception Church in Cottonwood Arizona. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimers Association.