Thomas Kenneth “Ken” Hocking, Jr., died July 9, 2026, at the age of 92 in his residence at Touchmark in Appleton. He was born May 22, 1934, in Dodgeville, WI, the only child of Thomas Kenneth Hocking, Sr., and Hazel Grace (Wirth) Hocking.

Ken graduated from Marinette (WI) High School and earned B.S. (English) and M.S. (English/Education) degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served over three years in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, before returning to Wisconsin to teach English at Shorewood High School for two years.

Ken received his third degree from UW-Madison – a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology – in 1965, and moved his growing family to Oshkosh, where he spent his entire professional career as Director of the Counseling Center and Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He took a sabbatical in 1975-76 to teach psychology to U.S. military officials and their spouses stationed at Air Force bases in England. He retired from UW-Oshkosh in 1999, but his close friendships with his Counseling Center colleagues continued long after retirement.

The Hocking family was originally from Cornwall, so Ken was thrilled to explore his family’s roots and travel throughout the U.K. in the mid-70s. He enjoyed traveling, visiting China, Russia, Canada, many European and Scandinavian countries, and nearly all 50 states. He loved live music, theater and cooking, and enthusiastically indulged in these activities until his health declined. He was a lifelong Badgers, Packers, and Brewers fan. His parents, both educators, inspired his love of books, which he shared with his children and grandchildren. He was immensely proud of being a three-time Badger and delighted that some of his children and grandchildren continued that tradition.

Surviving Ken are his four beloved daughters and their husbands: Wendy Hocking (Scott Neitzel), Neenah; Kerry (John) Schnell, Valders; Susan (Richard) Christel, Valders, and Amy (Christopher) Phillips, Appleton. He was also extremely proud of all his wonderful grandchildren: Benjamin Hocking Osborne; Dr. Madeline Hocking Osborne (Andrew Frederickson); Lt. Col. Andrew T. Schnell, USAF; Dr. Brian P. Schnell; Kayla A. Hildebrandt (fiancé Aiden Fochs); Dr. Emily A. Phillips, and Nathan C. Phillips. Ken is also survived by Judith W. Tonnell, Appleton, the mother of his children.

Ken was preceded in death by his loving parents, and two very special dogs, Shandy and Mini. He was pleased that his last dog, Buddy, found a loving home after he could no longer care for him.

Ken’s family is grateful to his many caregivers over the past eight years from Right At Home, Touchmark, and St. Croix Hospice, for their help and kindness. According to Ken’s wishes, there will be no visitation and his family will hold a private burial. Those wishing to honor Ken’s memory may donate to the St. Joseph Food Program in Menasha, where Ken volunteered in retirement, or to the charity of their choice.