Navorska tree » Gary John Honken (1938-2022)

Personal data Gary John Honken 

• He was born on May 1, 1938 in Buffalo Ctr., Winnebago Co., IA.
• Resident in the year 1992: Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia.Source 1
• He died on March 16, 2022 in Buffalo Ctr., Winnebago Co., IA (Timely Mission Nursing Home), he was 83 years old.
• A child of Harry Ervin Honken and Gritje Smith
• This information was last updated on October 29, 2023.

Household of Gary John Honken

He is married to (Not public).

They got married on December 21, 1959 at Bethany Luth. Chr., Thompson, Winnebago Co., IA, he was 21 years old.

Gary Honken oo Francile 'Fran' Rettand

Source: Anonymous GEDCOM file loaded ix Mar MMI

Leibrand, Ruth, et. al., Celebrate a Century Buffalo Center, Iowa Centennial 1892 - 1992, (Buffalo Center IA, Centennial Book Committee, MCMXCII), pg. 308, Repository: Dallas TX Pub. Lib.

[Pg. 308]

'Gary [HONKEN], ... married Francile Retland of Thompson, Iowa; ...'

'Where Are They Today?', Buffalo Center [IA] Tribune, Vol 114 # 28, 22 Sept 2005, pg 5 col 1 - 4

[col 2 ]

'... beautiful wife, Francile (Retland), pianist, organist, vocalist, who had great Christian parents and the same small town upbringing (Thompson, Iowa). ... We've been married almost 46 years ...' <>

Child(ren):

1. (Not public)
2. (Not public)
3. (Not public)

Notes about Gary John Honken

Gary John Honken

Sources: Author: NN (anonymous), Title: GEDCOM file loaded ix Mar MMI

Editor: Leibrand, Ruth; et al.; Title: «u»Celebrate a Century Buffalo Center, Iowa Centennial 1892-1992«/u», (Publication site: Buffalo Center IA, Publisher: Centennial Book Comm., Publication date: MCMXCII), pgs 308 & 406, Repository: Dallas TX pub. lib.

[pg. 308]

"Harry [HONKEN], the eldest son, married Margaret Smith of Buffalo Center. Margaret taught school for many years before and after they were married. ... Harry and Margaret are the parents of one son, Gary. Gary married Francile Retland of Thompson, Iowa; to this union were born two sons, Paul and Tom, and they adopted a daughter, Holly. Harry and Margaret are great-grandparents of one boy, Blaze. Gary and Fran reside in Saudi Arabia. ..."

[pg. 406]

"... Gritje 'Margaret' [SMITH] married Harry Honken and had one son, Gary, who married Francile Retland and works as a principal in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia; they have two sons, Paul and his wife, Paula, live in California and he works forContinental Airlines in Los Angeles, Tom and his wife, Laura, have a son Blaze Jordan, and reside in Minneapolis; Tom works for a computer company and Laura works at WCCO Radio. Gary and Francile also adopted a daughter, Holly, who married Michael Coffman and is in the navy, stationed in Virginia. ..."

Title: "Where Are They Today?" (Publication site: Buffalo Ctr., IA, Publisher: Buffalo Center [IA] Tribune, Vol 114 # 28, Publication date: 22 Sept 2005), pg 5 col 1 - 4

[col 2]

"... beautiful wife, Francile (Retland), pianist, organist, vocalist, who had great Christian parents and the same small town upbringing (Thompson, Iowa). ... We've been married almost 46 years ..."

[col 3]

"... In 1999, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. When we hear those words, we think it's a death sentence. Well, it isn't! I Keep being healed, and I thank God for His steadfastness and His continued healing. Being a teacher all my life ..."

[col 4]

"... We were blessed with two sons. Paul is 43, married to Susan Ristau of Blue Earth, has a two-year-old daughter, Anika Margaret, and works for the FAA in Bloomington. Tom, 42, works for Pelz Golf in Austin, Texas, is married to Lenna and has three children: Blaze, 16; Emma, 5 and George, 3. We adopted an American Indian daughter, Holly, when she was 5. Holly has two children, Rachael, 10, and Nicholas, 5. They live in Iowa City where Holly graduated from the university and works in the city. As I am writing this, we received word that our little granddaughter Rachael passed away and is in Heaven. Rachael was born severly handicapped with cerebral palsy.

With my parents both singing in the heavenly choir (the first time my dad is singing on key), we don't get back to Buffalo Center very often, but we do get to Thompson it see Francile's mom once in awhile, and we really enjoy that. I am still living the dash in my live (1938 - ) for the glory of God, looking forward to each day with new anticipation. ... Gary J. Honken 16345 Crystal Hills Circle Lakeville, MN 55044'

Publication site: Buffalo Ctr., IA Publisher: Buffalo Center [IA] Tribune, Vol 66 # 36, Publication date: vii Jan MCMLX), pg. 5 cols. 1-3

[Col. 1]

"Gary Honken Exchanged Wedding Vows With Francile Retland of Thompson

The Bethany Lutheran church of Thompson was the scene of a beautiful wedding Monday evening, December 21, at 7:30 p.m. when Miss Francile Retland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Retland, became the bride of Gary Honken, son of Mr. andMrs. Harry Honken of Buffalo Center. The double ring cereimony was performed by the Rev. Curtis Johnson before an altar of candlelight and blue lighted Christmas trees, and white mums on the altar. Mr. Donald Iverson, college friend ofthe groom, played the traditional wedding music, and accompanied Ronald and Rolfe Johnstad as they sang "0 Perfect Love" preceding the ceremony, Rolfe Johnstad as he sang "The Wedding Prayer" during the ceremony, and Ronald Johnstad as hesang "The Lord's prayer" as the bride and groom knelt at the altar.

The bride, escorted to the altar by her father, was lovely in a gown of white hand clipped chantilly lace over taffeta, fashioned with a sabrina neckline, scalloped long sleeves of lace ending in a point at the wrist, and the bodice ofchantilly lace embroidered with sequins and pearls. The skirt was floor length, triple tiered tulonet with panels of lace in center front and back, She wore a veil of white imported English bridal illusion edged with lace with a cap ofsequins and pearl trimmed with chantilly lace, borrowed from Mrs. Billy Smith. She carried a heart-shaped bouquet of red sweetheart roses centered with a white orchid. The brude was attended by her sister, Ruby Retland as maid of honor. Miss Janice Hale of Northfield, Minn., cousin of the bride and Mary Lee Honken of Buffalo Center, cousin of the groom were bridesmaids, all wearing identical gowns of white lace over light blue tafetta, and carried bouquets of pinkroses, and each wore single strand pearls, gifts of the bride.

The groom was attended by the best man, Gene Shreve of Cedar"

[Col. 2]

"Falls, friend of the groom. Robert Honken, cousin of the groom of Buffalo Center, and Bernie Retland, brother of the bride. They wore dark trousers and white coats of formal wear, with white and blue tinted boutonnieres. Ushers wereRodney Thorland of Decorah, and Paul Heitland of Buffalo Center. Candlelighters were Robert Kedney Jr. of New York, cousin of the bride, and Mark Smith, cousin of the groom.

The bride's mother wore a royal blue knit dress and the groom's mother wore a navy blue knit dress, both had corsages of pink rose buds and white pom poms. The grooms grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Griesattended, the grandmothers having corsages of pink roses and white mums. The brides personal attendant was Mrs. Clifton Lowe.

A reception was held in the church parlors for 300 guests with Mrs. Lowe in charge. Mr. and Mrs. Erling Thorland, uncle and aunt of the bride were host and hostesses. Miss Darlene Fries of Algona, was in charge of the guest book, and Mrs.Daniel Thorland and Mrs. Allen Gilbertson served the punch. Table prayer was given by Rev. J. D. Engels of Buffalo Center. Mrs. Harold Thorland and Mrs. Alfred Heitland poured. Mrs. Forest Hale cut the wedding cake and Mrs. Robert Kedney of New York and Mrs. Billy Smith served. The Misses, Jacque and Linda Thorland passed complimentary "thank you's" of the bride and groom.. Those in charge of the gift table were Shirley Higbee, Nancy Honken, Sharon Lura and Rosalee Parro. Waitresses were Miss Roselyn Morgan and Mrs. Roger Fjelstad, Carolyn Oshiem, and Janelle Hale. Assisting in the kitchen were neighbors and friends of the bride.

For going away the bride chose a rose colored suit, black coat, and black and white accesories, and wore a white orchid corsage.

The bride is a 1959 graduate of"

[Col. 3]

"the Thompson High School, and has been employed at the Farm Bureau office at Thompson.

The groom is a graduate of Buffalo Center High School, and Waldorf College, and is at present teaching school at Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, where the couple will make their home.

Out of town guests attending were from New York, Pigeon Falls, Wis., California, Northfield, Albert Lea, Emmons, Rochester, Kiester, Blooming Prairie, Minn., and Wallingford, Clear Lake, Garner, Bancroft and Buffalo Center."

Editor: Matthias, Vikki; Title: "Obituaries," (Publication site: Buffalo Ctr., IA Publisher: Buffalo Center (Iowa) Tribune, Publication date: xxv Mar MMXXII), Vol. 132 # 12, Pg. 4, Col. 5.

"Gary Honken 1938 - 2022

Gary Honken, age 83, changed his address from Thompson to Heaven on March 16, 2022. In lieu of a traditional funeral, Gary's wish was to have a weakend open house party on the farm in Thompson. Any who want to attend can bring a tent/camper, food and drink. Others can come and go as they wish. The time spent together with a bonfire and sharing stories is planned for July 30-31.

Gary was a May Basket baby born May 1, 1938 to Harry and Margaret (Smith) Honken. He grew up and graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1956.

He attended Waldorf College in Forest City where he sang in Odvin Hagen's Waldorf College Acappella Choir. It was there he met the love of his life, Francile Retland, and they were together from that day forward.

Gary was an elementary school teacher, elementary principal, and school superintendent. He taught 6th grade in Blooming Prairie, MN, Vacaville, CA, Forest Lake, MN and New Ulm, MN. He was an elementary principal in Adrian MN and Blue Earth MN, and he also held the school superintendent position in Harmony, MN. While in Blue Earth, Gary worked with then Apple Computer Inc. CEO John Scully to help create the Apple "Classroom of Tomorrow", which became a showroom for Apple hosting educators from around the world.

In 1988, Gary and Francile took a life-changing journey, traveling to Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia where Gary became the principal of an American school and later was Director of Information & Technology for ARAMCO schools in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Gary and Francile were in the Gulf War during US military operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During this time they were regularly interviewed by WCCO radio personalities in Minneapolis. One of Gary's favorite memories during Desert Shield was hosting Minnesota servicemen in their home every Thursday evening for dinner. On Christmas Eve, they asked for six troops from Minnesota, and due to a mixup instead received twelve hungry men looking for a home-cooked meal. Francile called one friend which resulted in many people bringing food to prepare and help serve our US military soldiers . One of the guys played basketball against Gary's son, Tom, so he felt like he was home. Another of Gary's best memories was helping plant a church - a great challenge in a Muslim country.

After returning to Minnesota ten years later, Gary was employed in the computer department at Methodist Hospital, and all the Park Nicollet clinics in the Twin Cities. When they rolled out the new computer system, Gary and his team provided all the training for the doctors and nurses. His favorite place was the cancer center at Methodist. Little did he know, he would be a patient there in the process. On Friday, August 13, 1999, he was diagnosed with non Hodgkin's lymphoma, participated in two lymphoma research programs, and was a walking miracle for 23 years.

In the past few years, Gary was diagnosed with dementia and this past summer, up until Christmas, Gary walked the 1.1 miles from his house to the Thompson bank once, twice, and sometimes three times a day. He knew Adam and the girls at the bank needed his help, and they treated him like he was the president of the bank. On weekends, if Gary was walking and his nice young neighbor Josh would see him, Josh would stop and talk with Gary, pick him up and take him to the bank. He would then bring him home after Gary finally realized that the bank was not about to open for him. Gary also enjoyed his weekly (or more) visits from Dean and Mary, and their infinite patience and kindness.

Gary always liked cars: new cars, old cars, fast cars, stock cars, etc. His favorites were his 1958 Ford retractable hard-top, his red Camaro convertible, and the 1928 Franklin he and his son, Paul, bought and fixed up to drive in parades and take to the Back to the 50s car show every year- a highlight of his year.

He loved to travel, with Norway and Greece being some of his favorites. But he would go anywhere, once hopping on a flight to Miami, eating an ice cream cone and then back to Minneapolis, taking advantage of free flight benefits due to his son Paul's position at a US based airline.

Gary and Francile did years of square dancing, line dancing, going to Broadway plays and concerts, golfing, and attending Hawkeye and Gopher football and basketball games. Gary was a camper through and through. He and Francile started taking the kids when they were little and continued into retirement by going to Texas and Arizona for many winters. Always the educator, Gary wanted students to learn. He donated his body to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, so the student doctors and nurses can learn more about non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and dementia. He joked, "[the students] will certainly have a good laugh when they open my body."

Gary was brought up in a loving Christain home, and accepted Jesus at a very young age. His whole life has been church, family, and school. He sang solos, was in choirs, directed kids and adult choirs, and directed a church musical "Specially For Shepherds" which was performed on TV. Gary was also a Luther League advisor, on various church councils,, and participated on church prayer teams. His favorite song was "I Can Only Imagine," and his favorite saying was, "God is good all the time... and all the time, God is good." Gary loved life, and he had a heart of gold.

Gary's kids, Paul, Tom, and Holly were his pride and joy. He always encouraged them, the Barnabas that he was, to do the best they could, enjoy what they were doing, and make the best of every situation. He wanted them to try different things and expand their horizons. Gary had eight grandchildren enjoying each one for their unique traits and talents. He enjoyed going to any game, play, concert, or other activity in which they were involved. He even got a ranked chess player in one of his grandsons.

Gary will be missed and remembered by his wife of 62 years, Francile; his children Paul (Susan), Tom (Lenna), and Holly, his grandchildren Blaze, Nicholas, Emma, George, Anika, Kate and William. Gary is also survived by a special cousin, Mary Lee Lowe.

Those already dancing in Heaven with him are his granddaughter, Rachael Honken; parents Harry and Margaret Honken; and parents-in-law Kenneth and Rachel Retland.

Oakcrest Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.oakcrestfunerservices.com

Services: July 30-31 in Thompson
Oakcrest Funeral Services oakcrestfunerservices.com - 515-295-3731"

Link: https://www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com/obituary/642999/gary-j.-honken/

Author: Lamb, Bret; Title: "Gary J Honken," (Publication site: Buffalo Ctr., IA, Publisher: Find-a-Grave, Publication date: xvii Mar MMXXII)

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237644787/gary-j-honken

"Gary J Honken Birth 1 May 1938 Buffalo Center, Winnebago County, Iowa, USA Death 16 Mar 2022 (aged 83) Buffalo Center, Winnebago County, Iowa, USA Burial Graceland Cemetery Buffalo Center, Winnebago County, Iowa, USA Memorial ID 237644787

Gary J. Honken, 83, of Thompson, IA, died Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at the Timely Mission Nursing Home in Buffalo Center, IA.

Married Francile Ellen Retland, Dec 21, 1959 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson, IA.

Parents
[photo-stone shared with Margaret H. Honken] Harry Ervin Honken 1904-1995
[photo-stone shared with Harry E. Honken] Margaret Helen Smith Honken 1907-2000

Created by: Bret Lamb Added: 17 Mar 2022 Find a Grave Memorial ID: 237644787"

Editor: Shaw, Andrew; Title: "Gary Honken memorial celebration July 30-31," (Publication site: Buffalo Ctr., IA, Publisher: Buffalo Center (Iowa) Tribune, Publication date: xxvii July MMXXII), vol. 132 #30, pg. 4 cols. 3 & 4

[Col. 3]

"Gary Honken memorial celebration July 30-31

The family of Gary Honken will host a memorial celebration in Gary's honor on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31, from 12-4 p.m. at 10226 420th St. in rural Thompson. Gary passed away on March 16, 2022.

A eulogy will be delivered at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs."
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