Roxanne Marie Hoke

Roxanne Marie (Bender) Hoke, age 71, of Viola, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, July 18, 2020. Born on July 16 and raised in the Viola, WI area, the daughter of Byron and Louise (Deaver) Bender, lived all her life there with time away to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from U.W. Platteville and later a Master’s Degree from U.W. La Crosse. Roxanne had a career in education, teaching 36 years with a majority of those years at Kickapoo Elementary School, in Viola, WI. She was a member of the Viola United Methodist church. Roxanne married Gary Byron Hoke February 4, 1983. Together they were blessed with four children: Jaclynn, Julie, Trevor and Katy. During the years when their children were growing up Gary was farming and Roxanne was teaching. The family spent many happy times wagon training & entertaining family and friends. As the years went by traveling around the U.S. became a favorite, packing up the camper and visiting many scenic areas in our beautiful country. Roxanne’s greatest blessing was family. Spending special time with her children and grandchildren held a very important place in her heart. She also treasured the close connections with her friends. She and Gary spent so many happy times camping and traveling with them or hosting many gatherings at the Hoke homestead “Happy Valley Ranch” on Springdale Drive. Roxanne’s living family is her beloved husband Gary; her children: Jaclynn Yocum (Jason Leis), Julie Okerstrom (Mandy Lund), Trevor Hoke (Brittany), Katy Kozlak (Derek). Her grandchildren are a joy to the whole family. Grandson Dalton Yocum (Victoria) and great grandson Eliah; granddaughters: Jadynn Yocum and Abby Leis; grandsons: Blake Okerstrom, Max Okerstrom, Dekker Kozlak and Ari Kozlak. She also leaves her mother Louise Bender and her brother Greg Bender, and many relatives and friends. Passing before her was her father, Byron Bender. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Viola Cemetery. There will be ample outdoor space for social distancing; for everyone’s safety the family respectfully requests everyone to use face coverings. Seating will not be provided and guests are encouraged to bring their own chair and umbrella. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in the name of the Roxanne Hoke Memorial Scholarship Fund, to be used to support future educators. Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Roxanne's family. 123 W. Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665 608-637-2100