Opal Hokanson Sherwood

Opal Nelson Hokanson Sherwood, 95, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away on September 10, 2026.

Opal was the proud mother of 11 children. Widowed young at the age of 37 while still raising eight children, she met life’s challenges with quiet courage and an unwavering commitment to her family. Her love of style and shopping was a class all its own—everyone admired her unique flair. Over the years she became the beloved matriarch of a large and loving clan that grew to many more than she envisioned she had started.

She worked for many memorable years at the Green Triangle in Pocatello. Though she moved across the country reluctantly many times throughout her life, she always loved and considered Pocatello her home.

Opal found joy in simple, steady pleasures. She enjoyed bowling and knitting, and she spent many happy hours doing puzzles, the daily jumble in the newspaper, and almost any card game. She was especially known for her skill and love of pinochle, and she also loved Tens, Rummikub, Sudoku, and other favorite games. Opal’s quick wit always had everyone in stitches. In her final five years she lived in a retirement community where she truly thrived—joining games, activities, and luncheons, and sharing her warm presence with friends and neighbors.

She will be remembered for her resilience, her deep love of family, and the quiet contentment she found in everyday pastimes and the company of those she held dear.

Opal was preceded in death by her husbands, Edmund (Eddie) Hokanson/1969, Don Gardner/2002, and Max Sherwood/2016 and by three infant children Eddie/1947, Dennis/1948, Alan/1960 sons resting in Blackfoot Idaho; and her parents Walter & Lula Nelson and her nine siblings. She leaves behind her eight children: Blaine and Pat Hokanson of Pocatello, Susan and Linden Mecham of West Jordan Utah, Brent and Sheri Hokanson of Pocatello, Brett and Vanae Hokanson of Rigby Idaho, Pam and Monty Croft of Newcastle Wyoming, Bart and Annette Hokanson of Spring Creek Nevada, Connie and Hal Hirschi of Pocatello, and Opal and Chuck Trudo of Bentonville Arkansas; along with her 35 grandchildren, 85 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends who will miss her deeply.

A celebration of her life with family will be held on September 17, 2026, at Wilks Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. (211 W Chubbuck Rd, Chubbuck, ID 83202). Her resting place will follow at the Grove Cemetery in Blackfoot Idaho next to Eddie. 

In lieu of flowers, Opal’s final wishes were for you to spend time with your family and loving your spouse.

Memories and condolences may be shared using the Guestbook below.