Cynthia (Luehmann) Hokenson

Cynthia (Luehmann) Hokenson, 75, of Preston, Minn., passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Cynthia was born at the same hospital on January 21, 1950 to Edmund and Lorraine Luehmann of Lewiston, Minn. She graduated from Lewiston-Altura High School in 1968, and then graduated from St. Olaf College in 1972.

Cynthia began teaching German and English in 1972, as well as directing class plays and coaching speech. In 1981, she took a job as teller at F & M Community Bank. In 1983, a job opened up in the same fields at Preston-Fountain High School. That school merged with Harmony High School in 1993 to become Fillmore Central High School, and she remained there until retiring in 2007.

She married David Hokenson of Preston in 1979 at the chapel at St. Olaf College. They remained married for 45 years until her passing.

She was active in Christ Lutheran Church in Preston during her married life. She played organ for 40 years, sang in the church choir, participated in Women’s Circle, Christ Crafters, and Service Groups. She also became an exchange coordinator for foreign exchange students, and placed students with host families for 40 years. She and her husband hosted a total of 30 exchange students from Europe, much to their delight.

She valiantly battled several chronic diseases right up to the end, especially over the last six months. Since retirement, she enjoyed spending time at her timeshare in Hawaii each winter.

She is survived by her husband, three sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her brother, as well as a brother-in-law.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn. The celebration service begins at 11 a.m., with a visitation at the church an hour earlier. A luncheon follows. Her body was cremated and will not be buried.

Arrangements are through Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Preston.

Memorials can be made to Christ Lutheran Church or St. Olaf College of Northfield, Minn.