Russell Honaker

A memorial service for Russell Dean Honaker, 84, Aberdeen, SD, was held Nov. 20 at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Rick Riedel officiating. Russell died unexpectedly Nov. 4 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen. Spitzer Funeral Home, 320 6th Ave. SE. was in charge of arrangements.

Russell Dean Honaker was born Jan. 28, 1920 to Charles A. and Myrtle (Close) Honaker in Cody, Wyo. His family moved to the Great Falls, Mont., area when Russ was an infant. He graduated from high school in 1938 at Dutton, Mont. He joined the Army-Air Force in January 1941 and served in Australia until his honorable discharge in 1945. On June 14, 1946 Russ married his best friend, Avis A. Dotseth. The couple made their home in Great Falls where Russ operated a service station and took up dirt biking and stock-car racing. In 1965 the family moved to Orcas Island, where Russ spent the next 17 years working retail and wholesale for Standard Oil Company at Russ’ Chevron.

He was the chief of the Orcas Island Volunteer Fire Department and loved fishing and boating on “Lil’ Toot.” In 1982, he retired from Standard Oil, but not from life. Days were spent golfing, bowling, having coffee with the guys and spending time with Avis, family and friends. In 1989 the couple moved to Oak Harbor. Here Russ took up more golf; now, officially named “the O’l Boy” by his precious wife. In 2003, they moved to Aberdeen, S.D., to be near their eldest daughter, Pat, and her family. Until the time of his death he continued to enjoy time spent with family, golfing, bowling and his many friends old and new.

Russ was a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge and the Lions Club. He had a magnetic personality and made friends easily, he was loved by everyone. He was a strict disciplinarian with a Teddy bear heart. Russ lived everyday to the fullest and the values he instilled in his family are strong and everlasting. He was a loving, caring gentleman, who was giving to the end. Russ wished to be a donor and this wish was fulfilled, giving quality of life to others after his passing. If it is true and love lives as long as there is someone who remembers, Russ will be loved for a long time.

Grateful for having shared his life are: his wife, Avis Honaker, Aberdeen; two daughters, Patricia (William) Haigh of Aberdeen, S.D., and Laurie (Jed) Freeman, Redding, Calif.; son, Kenneth (Sue) Honaker, Simi Valley, Calif.; 10 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, one brother R.L. “Frosty” (Peg) Honaker, Wenatchee and one sister, Eleanor Irish, Oak Harbor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one great grandson.

The family request memorials to the organ fund at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 431 Melgaard Rd. W., Aberdeen, SD 57401.