Joseph J. Honer

Joseph J. Honer, 80, of Ottawa died Tuesday November 17th at LaSalle County Nursing Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday November 24th at St. Columba Church with the Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be Monday, November 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 and the Knights of Columbus in attendance. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Services. Joe was born June 27th, 1929 in Ottawa to Joseph and Margaret (Haas) Honer. Joe was the oldest brother to two sisters and had many an adventure at the nearby sandpit. Joe married the love of his life, Rita Dippel, on August 16th, 1952 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Joe was deployed to Korea where he proudly served as Sergeant with the heavy mortar company of the 129th Infantry during the Korean War. While serving in Korea, Joe received word that Rita gave birth to a son, Rick. A second son Stephen would be born four years later. It wasn't too long before Joe had the boys take on a Sunday paper route. Without fail, Joe would be up early on Sunday mornings to drive the boys on their route. Throughout his life, Joe was a diligent worker. He worked at the Wilcox Paint Company for 34 years, and a number of years after that at National Paint. In 1978 Joe and Rita opened the House of Frames. He was quite proud that they remained in business for 28 years. During his lifetime, Joe was active in the Knights of Columbus as a member of the Fourth Degree and a lifetime third degree member. Joe served two terms as the Grand Knight of the K of C. As he grew older, Joe became more active in the Elks, and served a term as Exalted Ruler. Joe was also a member of the Moose and the VFW. One of Joe's favorite activities was to call Bingo on Monday nights as he continued to do so for many years until poor health interfered. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Rita; his children Rick (Andrea) of Winterhaven, FL, and Stephen (Diana) of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Ricci, Randi, Ryan Honer of Florida, and Marta, Yuri, Miron, of Wisconsin; two great grandchildren, Zoe and Payson and another due any day; and one sister, Rosemary Burke of Santa Ana, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister Wanda McGrath who passed away earlier this summer. Pallbearers will be Yuri and Miron Honer, Robert "Jake" Garcia, Mark Kossaris, John Levy, and Adam Summeralls. Honorary pallbearers will be Payson Keown, Kay Bretag, Dan Dippel, Ray Hepner, Bill Pearson and Fred Pufhal. Memorials may be directed to the St. Columba Building Fund.

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