Donald Lee Honken

Donald Lee Honken…

was born on June 26, 1930 to Fred and Gertrude (De Groot) Honken in Kenneth, Minnesota where he was raised and attended country school District #55. In 1943, he moved with his family to Jasper, Minnesota and attended school until the 8th Grade. Upon completion of his education, he helped on the family farm. Later, he moved with his family to Hardwick, Minnesota and then back to Kenneth. At the age of 21, he moved to Marshall, Minnesota where he worked for various farmers. In his 30’s, Don was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. Don worked as a laborer until the mid 1970’s when he began trucking. He mainly did long haul trucking until his later years and then did short trips around southwest Minnesota. On September 8, 1978, he was united in marriage to Donna Van Ruler at the First Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they lived in various places until 1984 when they moved to Pipestone, Minnesota. To this union, two sons were born: Kenny and Dean. In 2015, Don suffered a house fire causing him to move into Sunrise Village Assisted Living in Jasper. After a Fall on Saturday, December 12, 2015, he had hip surgery on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he died of complications on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at the age of 85 years, five months and 15 days.

Don was a member of the Pipestone Christian Reformed Church in Pipestone where he faithfully mowed the church grounds for about 10 years. He enjoyed tinkering around, working on cars. He also enjoyed potlucks and the numerous church suppers in the area. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is lovingly remembered by his sons, Kenny (Trella) Honken of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin and Dean (Melissa) Honken of Pipestone, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Meredith and Macy Honken of Wisconsin Dells and Waylon Honken of Pipestone; two brothers, Carroll G. (Bernice) Honken of Pipestone and Fred Honken of Muscatine, Iowa; and one sister, Shirley Honken of Hills, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Carroll J., Allen and John.