Joe "The Walleye Whisperer" Hockett aged 72 from Winner, passed away peacefully while hunting on Wednesday January 28 in Pierre South Dakota.   Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:30AM at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Winner Methodist Church from 6-7:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM.  Big Joe's service will be streamed through the Winner Methodist Church youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=winner+methodist+church

Joe was born in Terra Haute, Indiana on May 21, 1953. He moved often throughout childhood, spending his junior high years in Pierre, before graduating from White River High School. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Joe was a true public servant, he served as a State of South Dakota parole officer for 24 years, and most recently served as a 6th Circuit Bailiff. He was also a committed community leader, serving on the Winner School Board and the Winner City Council. He was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene and shared his time coaching baseball.

In retirement, you could find Joe on the rocks fishing walleye or in the field shooting pheasants or geese. He enjoyed teaching others to fish almost as much as catching his own limit. He treasured time with his family, traveling to their sporting events, joining campouts along the river, and celebrating graduations and weddings.

In 1973, Joe married the love of his life, Peggy Breuklander. Together they raised three children, Rebecca Lynn, Joseph Brian and Michael William. Joe was devoted to his family and cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. They loved listening to "grandpy's stories', some true some not, but always told with a twinkle in his eye. He was always present for holidays, birthdays, sporting events and life's special occasions.

Joe will be remembered for his generosity, his unwavering dedication to others, and the love he shared freely with family and friends alike.

Joe is survived by his children Rebecca Hockett (Jason Smith) of Pierre; Joe (Christy) Hockett of Pierre; and Michael (Michelle) Hockett of Harrisburg. He leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Mallory, Isabelle, Breuklander, Finnegan, and William. He is also survived by his siblings Robert (Jeannie) Hockett, Sandy (Dan) Mosteller, Ernie (Kris) Hockett, Rich (Amy) Hockett, and Anna (Dan) Nesseth; sisters‑in‑law Rose Hockett, Marilyn Hockett, Cindy Hockett-Sommervold, and Ann (Hugh) Harty; and brother‑in‑law John Gillaspie. He is further cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy Hockett; his parents, Rev. Robert and Evelyn Hockett; and his father‑ and mother‑in‑law, William and Alberta Breuklander. He was also preceded in death by his brothers John Hockett and Jed Hockett; his sisters Cheryl and Carla; sister‑in‑law Mary "Marti" Gillaspie; brother‑in‑law Duane "Smitty" Smith; great-niece Marli; and great-nephew Caleb.

Memorial donations can be made to the Joe Hockett Family and will be directed toward programs working to reduce hunger and mentor children in the Winner School District