Robert Honer

Robert B. Honer, 93 of Bellaire, died July 25, 2019 at home.  He was born January 8, 1926 in Chicago, the son of William and Mathilda (Bertrams) Honer.

Robert joined the United States Navy immediately after graduation from High School.  He served in the Navy and spent 1 year at the University of Virginia for training to become an Avionics Instructor. He finished his college degree at the University of Michigan with a business and engineering degree.

Robert worked at Diecast Corporation for nearly 50 years.  He became part owner and president from his hard work and dedication to the company.  Robert was loved and respected by his employees and customers. He was a vibrant member of the Jackson community and especially enjoyed playing golf at the Jackson Country Club. Robert had been very active with Habitat for Humanity in Naples, Florida, helping build many homes there.

In his free time Robert enjoyed skiing, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family at their Schuss Mountain Chalet and at their home on Torch Lake.  He also enjoyed playing tennis at the Torch Lake Yacht Club.

On June 19, 1948 in Jackson he married Jeanna M. Willard his loving wife of 71 years, who survives.  Also surviving are his children Bill Honer of Lake Ann, Rick Honer of Bellaire, Joe (Kelly) Honer of Angola, IN, Amy (Dan) Crites of East Lansing, grandchildren Mark (Jenny) Honer, Barbara (Matt) Zaremski, Christine (Matt) Sims, Nic Honer, Lauren Honer, Robby Honer, Jake Honer, Luke Honer, Matt Crites, Alison Crites, Catherine Crites, great grandchildren Colin, Lizzie, Nate, CJ, and Ruth, and sisters Barbara Rasmussen of Youngstown, OH and Eleanor Farr of Greenfield, MA.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 29, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake.  The family will receive friends following the service at a luncheon at The Blue Pelican Inn a block north from the church where additional parking is also available.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Torch Lake Protection Alliance (TLPA), PO BOX 706, Bellaire, MI 49615 or Munson Healthcare Hospice, Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.