Albert R. Honkola

Albert Raymond Honkola passed away on February 12, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Albert was born in Brocket, ND on June 1, 1923 , the son of Jacob and Mary (Olson) Honkola. He attended school in Brocket, graduating from high school in 1941. He joined the U.S. Army in March 1943, serving in World War II as a sergeant in field artillery units in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged on Christmas Day in 1945. After returning from WW II, Al began farming in the Brocket area. On October 7, 1949, Al was united in marriage to Jean Matson at Vaage Lutheran Church, Brocket, ND. In addition to 50 years of farming, Al worked 27 years as a substitute mail carrier for the Brocket Post Office. He also worked as a carpenter for the ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) Systems near Nekoma, ND from 1970-1972. Albert was a member of United Lutheran Church in Brocket and a 64 year member of the Royal O. Gray American Legion Post #61.

Albert will be deeply missed by Jean, his wife of 61 years; 3 daughters, Lana (Doug) Busche, Fountain Hills, AZ, Peggy Hill, Fargo, ND, and Shelley (Rick) Hill, Payson, AZ; 3 granddaughters, Raegan (Kyle) Sonnenberg, Chandler, AZ, Alison Busche, New York, NY, and Karlyn Busche Fountain Hills, AZ. Albert is also survived by his pride and joy, one year old great-grandson, Benjamin Sonnenberg; 2 sisters-in-law, Evelyn Honkola, Grand Forks, ND and Ann Anderson, Brooklyn Park, MN; 21 nieces and nephews; and his special little companion, grand-dog, Duncan.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; 2 infant sons, Wayne Douglas and Ryan Lee; son-in-law, Roger Hill; 4 brothers, William "Bill", Arvo, John, and George; 6 sisters, Ida Biernacki, Vienna Juvrud, Lydia Smith, Lempi Wick, Ruth Honkola, and Amy Honkola.

Albert will always be remembered for his great love of family, friends, the farm, and North Dakota . His laughter, singing, and smile will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held at United Lutheran Church , Brocket, ND, on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Enterprise Cemetery , rural Brocket. Military Honors will be accorded by the Royal O. Gray American Legion Post #61 of Brocket.