Howard J. Honkola
Howard J. Honkola, age 73, lifelong resident of Embarrass died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 in his home with family at his side. He was born February 18, 1937 in Biwabik, the son of John and Linnea (Marttila) Honkola. Following his graduation from Embarrass High School, Howard enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany. He was united in marriage to Mary Wells on December 3, 1960 in Aurora.
Howard worked as a Telephone Service Technician – retiring in 1996 from GTE (now Frontier). He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and the Babbitt Legion. He was an avid bowler for 50 years, bowling in three leagues. He enjoyed golfing, and working with his tractor and chainsaw. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Howard was a very nice man who thoroughly enjoyed life. He was a generous person who was always willing to help others. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Howard is survived by his wife: Mary; two sons: John (Shannon) Honkola of Embarrass, and Craig (Melissa) Honkola of Duluth; four brothers: Harold (Judi) of Lake Vermillion/Tower, Rodney (Heidi) of Embarrass, Patrick (Rita) of Embarrass, and Keven of Tower; two sisters: Patricia (Bruce) Crunkelton of Brooklyn Park, and Heidi of Anchorage, AK; six grandchildren: Devon, Mitchell, Kaarina, Niisa, Isaac, and Nathan; an aunt: Helmi Marttila of Embarrass; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather: Walter Aho; two grandsons: Jamie and Tristan; an infant brother; and an infant sister.
Visitation will be from 12 noon until the 1:00 pm Celebration of Life service Monday, April 19, 2010 in the Hope Lutheran Church in Embarrass. Pastor Amy Eisenmann will officiate. A private interment service will be held at a later date in the Embarrass Cemetery.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia. To leave remembrances of Howard on-line please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
