Eugene Arnold Hooker, 77, of Iola, formerly of Lodi, passed away peacefully at UW Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Eugene was born November 16, 1941, the only child of Marian (Simpson) and Arnold Hooker. Eugene was extremely proud of being an Eagle Scout in his youth. He then graduated from Lodi High School in 1959 and attended college at UW Stevens Point. Eugene held several positions throughout his lifetime. One of his most fond positions being an aide at Mendota Mental Health Center where he met the love of his life Donna (Zilz), who was a RN. Donna and Eugene were married August 28, 1964. They lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota where Eugene was a Hospital Corpsman in the US Navy. They returned to Lodi where Eugene worked side by side with his parents forming Hookers Petroleum and service station. Together Eugene and Donna had two children, Lee and Lori Hooker. Eugene and Donna relocated to Iola where they enjoyed several activities. Eugene enjoyed campfires and the solitude of the family cabin on Hatch Lake. He enjoyed birdwatching and gardening and had a love for Hosta plants. His Hosta gardens became very well known in and around the Iola area. Eugene also enjoyed being social and visiting with his many friends, including the Thursday coffee club in Scandinavia. He also enjoyed volunteering yearly at the Iola Car Show. Eugene was also very active in other civic organizations and one of his most fond memories revolved around being a Jaycee and the friendships he formed.
Eugene is survived by his loving wife and his favorite nurse, Donna (Zilz) Hooker and his two children, Lee and Lori Hooker and brother-in-law David Zilz (Mary Ann), and niece Kristin (Gary) Lucas. He is also survived by his uncle Harley (Virginia) Simpson and several cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother Marian Thistle and his father Arnold Hooker as well several uncles and aunts.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 14th, from 2-5 p.m. at Voie Funeral Home in Iola. A memorial services will be held at the Iola United Methodist Church on Monday, April 15th from 11 a.m.-noon, with a luncheon to follow. The Reverend Steve Rice will officiate. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Deming Labs in care of the UW Carbone Center, the Iola Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.