Erik J. Honse

1972 - 2016

Erik Joseph Honse, 44, of Ruffsdale, was called to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016. He was born July 1, 1972, in Jeannette, a son of Cathleen Rhodes Honse, of South Greensburg, and the late William R. Honse. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his grandparents, William J. and Helga S. Honse and William "Buster" Rhodes and Nellie Rhodes Salvatore; uncles, Donald R. Honse and Mark M. Rhodes; and an aunt, Nora Zimmerman. Another aunt, Teresa Lynn Rhodes, has been missing since 1975. He was a beautiful, helpful soul and all who knew him loved him. Everyone admired his work ethic, his handsome looks, his charismatic personality and his many talents. Unfortunately, Erik was caught up in the web of addiction, and had actually been clean for many months before a powerful strain of heroin cut his life short. Erik was employed as a master auto technician at E-Z Fix, in Ruffsdale. He took great pride in his work, and was highly valued by his employer. Erik worked for decades in this field to which he was truly dedicated. He raced cars at Keystone Raceway and won many trophies. He loved fishing, camping and listening to a variety of music. His winning personality gained him friends wherever he went; and, he will be unequivocally missed. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, Erik W. "Little E" Honse; his big brother, Jason W. (Kim) Honse; a niece and nephew, Jenna Rae Honse and Billy Honse; two aunts, Loretta Lee Zundel and Gloria Rhodes Casale; four uncles, Glenn E. Honse, Charles R. Honse, William D. "Byrd" Rhodes and Joseph A. Rhodes; and a host of loving cousins and devoted friends, including Little E's mother, Natalie Duffy. Erik shared his home with his girlfriend. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and medical staff of the 6th floor ICU at Excela Westmoreland and Greg Moorhead, RN, from CORE for their professionalism in caring for Erik.
Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the BARNHART FUNERAL HOME, 505 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Greensburg.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate a monetary gift of support for Erik's son, "Little E," may do so through the family (either Jason or Cathi). For online condolences, visit BarnhartFuneralHome.com.