Timothy Lee Kok, 72, passed away on July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
Tim was born on April 7, 1953, in Hettinger, North Dakota, to Dean and Vita Kok, the youngest of two sons. He grew up on the family farm and ranch along Duck Creek Road, 12 miles southwest of Lodgepole, South Dakota. At just seven years old, Tim began driving a grain truck, sparking a lifelong love and passion for being behind the wheel.
He thrived in the hay fields and always looked forward to lambing and calving season. In his early to late twenties, Tim worked as a custom harvester, traveling with a crew and eventually his family across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota to bring in the wheat harvest.
In 1979, Tim met the love of his life, Jeanie, in Kadoka, South Dakota, after beginning his career as an over-the-road truck driver hauling hay and grain. In 1980, Jeanie and their son, Mike, joined him at the farm to begin their shared adventure of gardening, raising livestock, and building a life together. Tim and Jeanie married on June 27, 1981, and later that year, their daughter, Jennifer, was born.
In 1988, the family made the move to the Black Hills, settling in Whitewood, where Tim continued his truck-driving career. Their youngest son, Daniel, was born in 1990, quickly becoming his dad’s traveling buddy. Starting in 1995, Daniel spent summers on the road with Tim, exploring the continental United States together until Daniel turned twelve.
As Tim got older, he transitioned to driving closer to home. In 2007, he began working in the oil fields in Gillette, Wyoming, later relocating to Dickinson, North Dakota, where he continued driving water trucks until his retirement in 2020, when he returned home to Whitewood.
Tim cherished his social time, enjoying Windsor and Coke, a few Busch Lights, and the occasional lucky streak at the slot machines. His outgoing nature meant he never met a stranger—he had friends everywhere he went.
Tim is survived by his mother, Vita Kok of Spearfish, SD; his son, Michael Hopkins of Spearfish, SD; his daughter, Jennifer Bush of Sturgis, SD; his son, Daniel Kok of Whiteman AFB, MO; and his six beloved grandchildren: Anthony Hopkins, Zabree Bush, Easton Bush, Winston Bush, Greyson Kok, and Kacen Kok. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and extended family.
He is reunited in heaven with his wife, Jeanie Kok; his father, Dean Kok; his brother, Marshall Kok; and his in-laws, Pete and Norma Hopkins.A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at the Sturgis VFW Club on July 13, 2025, at 3:30 PM. The following week, his children will honor his wishes by returning to the family ranch to spread his ashes, where he will be eternally laid to rest alongside his beloved wife.
