Hometown Entreprenuers: Attorney and retired U.S. Trustee Habbo Fokkena

Habbo Fokkena of Fokkena Law Office in Clarksville became an attorney because he didn’t want to work at a grocery store.
     Instead, he has spent his life practicing law—and serving his country. In 2002, Fokkena was appointed by President George W. Bush as a U.S. Trustee and oversaw the bankruptcy system in several states. Fokkena served until December 2011, and since has returned to a quiet life at his practice in Clarksville, highlighted with fishing trips to Canada.
     Fokkena studied at the University of Northern Iowa as a history major in 1965, but with drafted to serve in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. After returning home, Fokkena received his Bachelor’s degree from UNI in 1972 and went on to earn his JD from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1975.
     The same year, Fokkena opened his office in Clarksville as an associate in Shepard’s Allison firm. Three years later, the firms split to avoid conflicts in handling both sides of cases. Fokkena stayed in private practice from 1978 until 2002. 

Read more in the August 3 Star.