Robert Hocum

Robert (Bob) Milton Hocum was born in Montevideo, MN on January 15, 1943, to Ellsworth and Delores. Bob grew up fishing and hunting with his older brother, Bruce and their buddies. He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1961.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korat, Thailand. Soon after he returned in 1963, he married Alice Raffelson and they went on to have two children, Tim and Kim. He stayed connected with the military through the years as a longtime member of the VFW, American Legion, and Elks Club.

On July 5, 1975, he married the love of his life, ‘Sheryl Lee’ as he fondly called her and gained three more sons, Tony, Todd, and Troy. Bob and Sheryl were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and moved to Alexandria soon after where they would raise their family.

Second only to his love for his family, was his passion for his career. Bob worked in the furniture industry as a sales representative for several companies and covered stores across Minnesota and the Dakotas. His efforts earned him respect from his peers, salesman of the year awards, trips, and leadership roles in associations within the furniture industry. Working in sales came easy to a man like Bob.

Bob was known for his outgoing, upbeat, charismatic personality and, perhaps most notably, his ever-present smile. He loved cracking jokes, telling stories, and coining catch phrases like ‘good groceries!’ at the dinner table. He radiated happiness and his positivity was infectious. He saw the good in people. He didn’t take life too seriously.

When he wasn’t away on business, Bob enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada, gatherings with family and friends, traveling to beaches, cabins, and casinos with Sheryl, whipping up his famous omelets, manning the grill, and watching hockey.

In 2000, he was diagnosed with lung and eventually brain cancer but defied the odds and overcame surgeries and treatments again and again. This was without a doubt due to his steadfast positivity. He didn’t let cancer dampen his spirit and enjoyed many happy years beyond his initial diagnosis.

On February 2, 2019, Bob passed away at the Fergus Falls Veteran’s Home with his family by his side. He was 76.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sheryl Hocum of Alexandria; sons, Tony (April) Hocum of Alexandria, Todd (Linda) Hocum of Alexandria, Tim (Tammy) Hocum of Kodiak, AK; Troy (Malissa) Hocum of Alexandria; daughter, Kim (Mark) Jacobs of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Tessa (Todd) Checovich, Tyler Hocum, Mya Burmeister, Aaron Hocum, Anders Hocum, Hayley Hocum, Breck Hocum, Jacey Hocum, Jack Jacobs, Parker Jacobs; and great-granddaughter, Audrey Checovich. He is preceded in death by his father, Ellsworth Hocum; mother, Delores Benci; step-father, George Benci; brother, Bruce Hocum; and grandson, Tanner Hocum.

As the saying goes ‘he never met a man he didn’t like.’ Bob will be missed by so many and everyone that knew him will always remember his great big smile and his kindness. The world needs more people like Bob.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, May 10, 2019, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.  Visitation will be held 4-7 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and for one hour prior the service at the church on Friday.  Military Honors will be provided by the Alexandria Veterans Honor Guard.