Hocken, Delbert

Delbert Hocken, 86, of Cedar Falls and formerly of Waterloo, died on Dec. 18, 2009, at Sartori Medical Center in Cedar Falls. Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Waterloo. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories. Burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Bernita; a sister, Mabel Chesmore; and two brothers, Clyde and Glen. He is survived by his wife, Virginia of Cedar Falls; two children, Barbara (Ronald) Ritchie of Robins and David (Sandra) Hocken of Avoca; a twin brother, Ralph Hocken of La Porte City; three grandchildren, Andrew Ritchie, Sarah (Neil) Schmidt and Aaron Hocken; three great-grandchildren, Emily, Domonic and Ivy; three stepchildren, Ruth, Ann and Ada; and numerous nieces and nephews. Delbert will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He was born on Feb. 21, 1923, in Winthrop, the son of Garry and Mary (Nibeck) Hocken. He grew up on a farm near Winthrop and graduated from Winthrop High School. On April 30, 1943, Delbert was united in marriage to Bernita Young. The couple made their home in Waterloo. Delbert worked for Hub Electric (now known as Paulson Electric) for 40 years, retiring in 1984. Bernita died on Dec. 19, 1989, after 46 years of marriage. Delbert married Virginia Adams on January 5, 1991.

Delbert was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was also a longtime amateur radio operator, his call sign was WØOFV. He was a licensed private pilot, built radio-controlled airplanes, miniature cars, radios, power supplies and he restored a 1929 Model A Ford. He was very handy and could fix anything. He was very active at Calvary United Methodist Church in Waterloo for many years. More recently, he was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Delbert was a loving and devoted father and grandfather.

Memorials may be sent to the family. Condolences may be left at