Patrick "Pat" J. Honner

Patrick J. Honner was born November 28, 1972, in Yankton, SD to Ron and Eileen Honner. Pat graduated from Yankton High School in 1991 where he was active in tennis, golf, choir, yearbook, and the school newspaper. He completed his secondary education at South Dakota State University with a Bachelor Degree in Microbiology and Clinical Laboratory Science. He worked in the lab for a while at Unity Point St. Lukes before going back to school at the University of South Dakota to become a PA. Despite going to both state schools, he remained a Jackrabbit through and through.

Pat met his wife, Denise (nee Reifke), at a PA conference in New Orleans and they were married in 2004. They made their home in Dakota Dunes and had two children, Eli and Emma. Pat enjoyed many home projects including finishing the basement in both houses, playing as much golf as possible, cooking, singing, and going to kids’ activities. He also loved Jeeps and was known around town for his orange Jeep. Professionally, Pat worked as a PA at CNOS in neurosurgery and at Siouxland Urology.

Pat was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer in April 2023. He endured surgery, chemo, and radiation and was very grateful for how well he tolerated the treatment and how much longer it prolonged his life. He lost his battle with cancer on February 22nd, where he passed away peacefully at home. He is survived by his wife Denise, son Eli and daughter Emma. He is also survived by his mother Eileen Honner of Yankton, SD, brother Matt (Caitin) Honner and their children: Jaxon, Dylinn, and Beretta of Pueblo, CO, in-laws Les and Dee Reifke of Dakota Dunes, SD and Dave Reifke of Dakota Dunes, SD. He was preceded in death by his father Ron Honner, grandparents and various aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21st at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the memorial service, a luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dakota Dunes, SD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Pat’s honor to one of the great organizations that played a part in his care – Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Hope Cancer Lodge, Rochester, June E Nylen Cancer Center, Sioux City, or St. Croix Hospice Care.