Jerry W. Honea

Jerry Honea of Pelican Rapids, MN, age 80, passed away July 4, 2021, at Sanford Health Fargo. Born June 16, 1941, in Little Rock, AR, Jerry was a graduate of the Central High School class of 1959. He attended University of North Dakota and Moorhead State College. Jerry married Mary Kittle of East Grand Forks in 1967; they were married for 46 years until her passing in 2014.

Jerry modeled a strong work ethic for his family, selflessly employed as fireman/brakeman for Great Northern Railroad, staff development and manager for Country Kitchen restaurants, and finally locomotive engineer for Burlington Northern Railroad where he worked until his retirement in 2007. Jerry was a member of North Dakota Army National Guard, attaining rank of 1st Lieutenant. 

Jerry enjoyed road trip vacations with his family and visited 39 states and four Canadian provinces in their many travels. The beauty of the  Hawaiian Islands captured his heart; he and Mary vacationed on the island of Maui every winter for over 20 years. After retiring they spent  summers with family at their home on Lake Lida, MN. He had a brilliant mind, and was a skilled trap shooter, artist and Yahtzee player. He will be remembered as a man who was most proud of his family, a father whose constant love was deep and quiet, and a papa whose devotion was palpable.

Survived by daughter Sarah (Joe) Ring, Fargo, son Matthew Honea, Fargo, grandchildren Jessica Hanson, Taylor (Ryan) Pokrzywinski and Jacob Ring, and great-granddaughter Vaeda Pokrzywinski.

Preceded in death by wife Mary, mother Louise Burris, father O.L. Honea, step-father George Burris, step-mother Gala Honea Mountain, and brother Michael Burris.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 9, 2021 at Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service at the cemetery.