Roger W. Honebrink

HONEBRINK, Roger W., 98, beloved and treasured husband of Mary, his wife of 61 years, passed away on January 12, 2024. He is survived by five devoted children Carol (Joseph) Lavoritano, Ann Honebrink (Steven Saris), Mark (Rosemary) Honebrink, Amy Honebrink, and Emily (Gary) Machles; sister-in-law Jackie Dwyer; 10 loving grandchildren Michael Saris (Katy), Thomas Saris (Kate Fox), Robert Saris (Katie Clifford), Daniel Saris (Meaghan), Mark Lavoritano (Natalie Krane), Scott Lavoritano (Cait), Michael Honebrink, Jack Honebrink, Mary Kaitlin Honebrink and Joey Honebrink; 3 loving step-grandchildren Andrew Machles (Dana), Jonathan Machles and Maren Machles; 12 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by the center of his universe - his beloved wife Mary in 2012, his siblings: brother Walter (Bud) Honebrink, and sisters: Janet Honebrink, Lois Healy, Joan Hammerel, and Carol Sawyer. Roger was born on December 1, 1925, in St. Paul, MN, to parents Walter and Irene Honebrink.

Roger excelled in everything he did with family at the core of all.  He had an idyllic childhood in St. Paul, MN with summers at White Bear Lake, MN.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master’s Degree in Engineering, and served his country proudly in the US Navy during World War II.  He had a 36-year career at General Electric (GE), starting as an engineer in Schenectady, NY and retiring as Senior Executive and General Manager of their Marine and Industrial Division in Cincinnati. Prior to his roles in Cincinnati, Roger was the General Manager Air Force Programs Department at GE Re-entry Systems Division in Philadelphia, PA.  During his time with GE Aircraft Engines in Cincinnati, Roger’s foresight and dedication contributed to GE forging international relationships, entering GE into the global marketplace, and establishing GE as one of the preeminent marine & industrial gas turbine engine manufacturers in the world.

Roger was a beloved and respected member of his community and was an active volunteer.  He volunteered for many years in the GE retiree “Talking Book” program, benefiting St. Rita School for the Deaf.  He was an active parishioner, supporter and volunteer for the St. James of the Valley Catholic Church in Wyoming and most recently a parishioner at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Glendale. He served on the board of Wyoming Historical Society and was President for 3 years.  He also served on the board of the Wyoming Golf Club.  

In addition, Roger was a great “Mr. Fix-It” having many wonderful big, old homes (and cars) that always seemed to need something fixed. He was also a beautiful singer (he would serenade his wife and family at family gatherings), a great joke teller, a clever writer with a way with words, a patient math tutor for his children and many of their friends, a calm comforting presence, generous and wise beyond words, loyal friend, avid golfer, world traveler, accomplished gardener, and devout Catholic. He was also really fun to be around.  When you were with him, you always felt like you were in the right place.

Above all, Roger deeply loved his wife Mary and his family.  He absolutely cherished time spent with them. His family will miss him more than words can say.  He was simply the best father we ever could have imagined or asked for.  He was our rock, and will always, always be our true north.  How blessed we were to have him as our father.  He will be richly rewarded in Heaven and sorely missed on earth. 

Family will receive friends at Maple Knoll Village Chapel, 11100 Springfield Pike, Springdale, on Saturday January 27, 2024 for Visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m.  Directions to Chapel: Enter Maple Knoll Village onto Maple Trace Drive at the traffic light on Rt. 4 Springfield Pike.  Go to the second stop sign and turn right onto Rock Maple Drive.  Park and enter at the flag pole.  Upon entering 11100 “Village Center”, turn left down the hall.  Follow signs to the Chapel. The Chapel is before the radio station.

Interment private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials made to Maple Knoll Village Future Care Fund or Employee Engagement fund at https://mapleknoll.org/donate/ would be appreciated.

Condolences and additional information at hodappfuneralhome.com