Walter Olof Hokanson

Walter Olof Hokanson passed away on July 5, 2026, in Murray, Utah. He was born on July 1, 2026, in Murray, Utah to Kyle Chris Hokanson and Amber Nielsen Hokanson. He may have only been out in the world for a short amount of time, but Walter wrote his own story. He fully lived on his own terms. He was determined, intuitive, strong, and brave. He was the embodiment of selflessness and love, and he is his parents’ little hero.

Walter gave his parents a scare by suddenly becoming still while he was still in utero which prompted them to go to the hospital. He ended up being ok, but his actions (or inaction) allowed his mother to get the care she needed before delivery. He was back to his wiggly self the moment his mom got treatment. In fact, once he was born, he was consistently trying to pull the tubes and cords out in the NICU with his strong hands. The amazing NICU staff at IMC had their hands full with this sweet and determined boy - they all instantly fell in love with Walter. Amber and Kyle will forever be thankful for their tender and thoughtful care.

Walter entered this world quickly because he knew he didn’t have long in it. He was excited to meet his parents and put his best foot forward by consistently improving in health before they showed up to spend time with him. After Walter developed the infection which took his life, he ensured that he was healthy long enough to say goodbye to the family he loved dearly and then stopped fighting so his parents didn’t have to make the difficult decision of ending his care. He was small, but he was mighty in mind and spirit.

Though time was short, Amber and Kyle raised Walter with faith, prayer, and incredible love. They are comforted knowing that they fulfilled Walter’s divine purpose of receiving a body so he could continue in his progression. As L.M. Montgomery states in her novel Anne’s House of Dreams, “For a few hours [they] tasted of happiness so rare and exquisite that [they] wondered if the angels in heaven did not envy [them].” Being parents to Walter was the most joyful, honorable, and precious experience of Amber and Kyle’s lives. They will forever cherish the brief time they had with him and look forward to the day they see him again. He was perfect, and though this chapter of his life is finished, Walter will continue to write his own story.

Walter is survived by his parents, Amber and Kyle. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 10055 South State Street, Sandy, UT 84070. Interment will be at Memorial Lake Hills Mortuary and Cemetery.