Obituary of Jean Carrie Honken

    Jean Carrie Honken, daughter of Oliver and Gertrude (Nilson) Floren, was born November 15, 1937 in Willmar, MN. Following her elementary education in a one room schoolhouse near Willmar, Jean went on to graduate from Willmar High School in 1955. From 1957-58, she attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis before earning her LPN degree in 1959 from the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

    On April 23, 1960, Jean was united in marriage with Alvin Honken of Raymond, MN. They made their home in the Twin Cities for nine years, where Jean worked at various clinics and nursing homes. As Al furthered his education in preparation for the ministry, the Honkens moved to Orange City, IA in 1969 where Jean helped set up a surgical practice for a new doctor in town. In 1972 the family made yet another move to Holland, MI, where Jean worked in a surgical clinic.

    Following Al’s graduation from seminary Jean fulfilled her passion for furthering the work of the church by ministering alongside her husband at Hope Reformed Church of George, IA; New Life Community Church in Apple Valley, MN; Emmanuel Reformed Church in Whitby, ON, Canada; and Faith Reformed Church in Lynden, WA. In 2000, the Honkens “retired” to Sibley, IA, though they continued to serve at First Reformed Church in Melvin, IA where they have been until the present time.

    Jean possessed an avid love for music, and was especially adept at piano and organ. She delighted in teaching all five of her grandchildren the basics of playing the piano. She also enjoyed reading and teaching classes on marriage and family. Her greatest passions were furthering the work of the church and promoting missions around the world. During her lifetime - from raising her children, to ministering to patients, to serving various congregations as a pastor’s wife, Jean used her talents for the glory of God in every aspect of life.

    Jean passed away peacefully at the Osceola Community Hospital in Sibley on February 17, 2018, after complications with pneumonia. She is survived by her husband, Al, of nearly 58 years; twin sister, Janet Schmidt of Becker, MN; son, Dale (Karen) Honken of Sibley; daughter, Cheryl (Peter) Daniel of Ajax, ON, Canada; and five grandchildren: Samantha Bouwers, Matthew Honken, Alysha Daniel, Sarah Honken, and Karis Daniel. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and a brother, James Marvin.

Celebration of Life

Jean Carrie Honken

Saturday, February 24, 2018 ~ 11:00 a.m.

First Reformed Church ~ Melvin, Iowa

Prelude.............................................................................................................. Mim Ernst

Processional Hymn  #547....................................................................... "Holy Ground"

Call to Worship

Welcome

Old Testament Promises

Hymn  #395.................................................................................... "Be Thou My Vision"

Obituary for Jean C. Honken

Musical Tribute - Corky Koerselman.......................................... "The Lord’s Prayer"

New Testament Promises

Prayer

Musical Tribute - Corky Koerselman............................. "Till The Storm Passes By"

Scripture.......................................................................... Read by Jean’s grandchildren

Romans 5:1-11 and Romans 8:18-39

Message................................................................................... Rev. Bob Vander Schaaf

Prayer and Benediction

Hymn  #416..................................................................................... "Blessed Assurance"

Recessional Solo - Corky Koerselman.......................................... "Beautiful Savior"