ElRoy Honl

ElRoy Duane Honl, age 85, of North Oaks, Minnesota, passed away on November 5, 2024, after a lengthy and heroic battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. 

ElRoy was born in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, on August 16, 1939, to Joseph and Anna Honl. He grew up on the family farm and spent his early years working on the farm with his many siblings. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and graduated from Lidgerwood High School in 1957. After high school, ElRoy served in the army for two years.

Upon completion of his military service, ElRoy moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he met and was united in marriage to Jean (Gode) at Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Holloway, Minnesota. They established their home in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, where they resided for nearly 40 years. They were blessed with three children: daughter Kristen, and two sons, Darren and Kevin. 

ElRoy held various jobs during his lifetime. These included working in road construction, as a machinist, and as a custodian, to name a few. He retired as a custodian from the Columbia Heights school district. He had a very strong work ethic, always had to be busy doing something, and put 110% into everything he did. Because of this, he started and ran his own painting, lawn mowing, snow removal, and handyman business that he did on the side in addition to his full-time job. In retirement, he even picked up a part-time job at the security desk of his grandson’s school, where he made countless friends with the teachers, staff, and students.

ElRoy’s faith and service to his Heavenly Father was of the highest priority to him. He was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church since joining with his wife in 1968. He served on many boards at the church, taught Sunday school, assisted with confirmation classes, served as an usher, participated in the BeFriender program, attended weekly men’s Bible studies for many years, and served many Easter breakfasts happily flipping pancakes or pouring coffee. The highlight of his service was his mission trip to Panama in 2019. He found it incredibly meaningful to have had the opportunity to share God’s love with the people of Panama and came home even more enriched by the experience.

ElRoy enjoyed many activities in his free time. He loved camping, bonfires where he perfected the art of making golden brown and delicious bear claws and tonka pies, fishing, bowling, horseback riding whenever he could, assembling puzzles, and watching and rooting for his favorite sports teams. He always loved any kind of card game, especially cribbage. He had an amazing gift for meeting and connecting with new people wherever he went whether it was the local coffee shop or the grocery store. His passion in life was searching out the best cup of coffee, extra hot.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna; brothers, Andrew, Donald (Maggie), Harold (Jan), and Gene; sisters, Junette (Donald) Willprecht and Betty; sister-in-law, Glenda; and brother-in-law, David Hansen.

He is survived by his wife, Jean (“Jeannie”); daughter, Kristen, sons Darren (Laura) and Kevin (Emily); grandchildren, Brandon, Trevor, Natalie, Elijah, Gabriel and Ellarie; brothers, LaVerne, Larry (Penny); sisters, Barbara (Roger) Buske, Connie Hansen; sister-in-law, Norma; and many nieces and nephews.

ElRoy will be greatly missed by many friends and family. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4101 Washington Street NE, Columbia Heights, with a visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.