COTTAGE GROVE, WI - Ralph Hokanson, passed away on June 29, 2026. He was born on July 22, 1941, in Madison to Hazel (O’Toole) and Harold Hokanson. He attended Parker High School in Janesville and graduated from Madison West. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Mansfield from 1962 – 1968. In 1971 he married Hilde (Pflug) Gerry in Janesville Wisconsin and after the birth of their son, Joe, they moved to Madison. Ralph was a Bosh certified Volkswagen mechanic and opened the Volkz Haus in 1972. After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed traveling the United States, Canada, and Europe visiting family and enjoying the sights.

Ralph is survived by his children Jamie (Daniel) Thompson, Sr., Vickie (Thomas) McNeal, Tamie (DeVerr) Laursen, Joseph (Laura) Hokanson, grandchildren Daniel (Andrea) Thompson, Joshua Thompson, Jonathon (Mary Margaret) Thompson, Erica (Luke) Winter, Timothy (Veronica Sustic) McNeal, Tamara Gist, Ethan (Genesis) Laursen, Nathan Laursen, Brandtsen (Jessica) Laursen, Zachary Hokanson, Matthew Hokanson, and Elizabeth Hokanson; and 10 great-grandchildren; brother James Hokanson, sister Cindy Bugs and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Hazel Bugs and Harold Hokanson; sister Linda Kirk; granddaughter Ava Hokanson, grandson-in-law Justin Gist.

On Sunday, July 12^th, 2026, there will be a visitation held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation or place of your choosing.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the care and compassion given to Ralph by Oak Park Place staff, Dennis Linder, Meriter Hospital, Dane County Adult Protective Services, Madison Police and Dane County Sheriff Departments, and the Deer Grove Fire/EMS Department.

Please share your memories below in the online guestbook.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434