Barbara Honer

Barbara Faye Hunter was born on December 10, 1943, in Perham, Minnesota. Her parents were the late Frank and Hazel Viola (Malcolm) Hunter. She attended Country School #256 in Dead Lake Township near her family's farm. Barb graduated with the Class of 1961 from Perham High School. Barb was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Dent, Minnesota.

On September 28, 1961, Barb married the love of her life, Sylvester (Bud) Kenneth Honer, at Sacred Heart. This year, they would have been married 58 years. Their marriage was blessed with six children that Barb absolutely adored and could not have been more proud of. Bud and Barb made their home just outside of Dent where they lived until 1996 when they built a new home just up the road. Barb loved to look at the lake out her kitchen window and watch the hundreds of geese that preferred their yard over the neighbors.

Barb was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Even though she converted to Catholicism when she married Bud, her Catholic faith was the foundation which she based her marriage and instilled the importance of being good Christians to her children. Mom loved helping the church as a Monday morning collection counter and her special time with John Kratzke and Marilyn Stenger. Breakfast after weekday Mass with Father George was a weekly high point for her. Mom was also active in the Christian Mothers' group.

Mom spent many hours baking because she knew how much us kids enjoyed it and appreciated the fuss we made over it. No one baked like Mom. Watching the orioles from her kitchen window was a joy for her, although the elusive cardinal was her favorite to see. If there was a magazine, newspaper, or piece of junk mail within reach, Mom read it. Whenever her girls would suggest a trip to Nest for coffee, a second invitation was never needed. Mom was raring to go. She loved the coffee and special time with her daughters. The only thing that made the time more enjoyable for Mom, was when the granddaughters joined. Being the only son, John held a special place in Mom’s heart. For the past 14 years, Mom could be found eating breakfast at Nootzi’s with dad, family, and friends. Mom took immense pride and joy in her large, and still-growing, family. Her smile when with family, expressed the love in her heart.

On September 3, 2019, Barb passed away with her five daughters by her side at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota, at the young age of 75 years. Her kind mannerisms, grateful heart, and sweet smile will live on in the hearts of those who knew her; especially her children and grandchildren.  Her absence will be evident, but the memories and stories of Mom will remain with us all. Preceding Barb in death were her parents, Frank and Hazel; grandson, Ethan Honer; brother, Sonny Hunter; and mother- and father-in-law, John and Julia Honer.

Barb is survived by her husband, Bud Honer, of Dent, who absolutely adored her; children: Wanda and Kevin Lohmiller, Wadena; Sue and John Von Ruden, Perham; Pam and Dan Nodsle, Dent; Pat and Brad Helmeke, Frazee; John II and Debbra Honer, Dent; Kim and Merle Byer, Perham; grandchildren: Julia and Donny Hoffert, Brady and Sarah Winter, Claire Honer, Evan and Sam Lachowitzer, Hilarion Byer, Marlee and Jordan Novak, Ivan Nodsle, Mason Lohmiller, Sophie and Daniel Briard, Ivy Honer and Tyler Whitcomb, Griffin Helmeke and Taylor Feist, Hunter Nodsle, Mollian Von Ruden, Sutton Lohmiller, Morgan Byer, Ella Von Ruden, Eve Honer, Lila Lohmiller, John Honer III, and Carson Byer; great-grandchildren: Eden, Elliot, Oscar, and Archer Hoffert,  Reed, Connor, and Miles Winter, Leisel Novak, Mila Helmeke, Esme and Alois Lachowitzer, Emmett and Oliver Whitcomb, and Henry and Abel Briard; siblings: Deloris Brown, Pat Adams, and Betty Seiple; and sisters-in-law: Lorraine Honer and Bernadette Guck; plus a ton of nieces and nephews.

The loss of Mom leaves an emptiness in our hearts that only she was able to fill. When speaking of the perfect Mom – she was it! God bless you, Mom. We love you and so does Daddy.

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