Frank John Kokesh, 83, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2020, surrounded by family. Frank was born on January 5, 1937, in Minneapolis, MN to Frank S Kokesh and Rose H Kokesh (Kraemer). Other places of residence included Hopkins, MN; Minnetonka, MN; Maple Plain, MN; Ocala, FL; and Delano, MN.

Frank graduated from Hopkins High School in 1954 and attended the University of Minnesota. Frank went to work in the family hardware store in Hopkins. In the late 1960’s he started selling golf clubs and eventually, the business evolved into a chain of sporting goods stores named Kokesh Athletic and Golf. Frank pioneered many changes to the retail athletic supply industry.

He loved his family, many friends, and raising thoroughbreds to race. His love of horses and animals led him to spend many hours building the Last Straw Farm, an equestrian facility, where his children learned to ride and his friends came to gather. In his later years, he crafted tack-room supplies under the name Wally’s Woodworking.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and brother James P Kokesh. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Susan M Kokesh (Nelson); their daughter Brenda S Henney (William) and their son William; daughter Cheryl Nelson (Lee); daughter Renee Lenkart and her children Katie and Lily; son Daniel Kokesh (Jammie) and his children Hannah, Elizabeth, and Frank; daughter Susan Bethke (Troy) and their children Holly, Scott, and Olivia; brother Fritz Kokesh (Judy); sister Susan Layton; brother James’ wife Patricia; and his many nieces and nephews. Frank is also survived by his lifelong friends Paul and John Kokesh.

Frank passed due to Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. Private services were held. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.