Herbert Kenyon Honn

Herbert Kenyon Honn

80, of Normal, died at home on August 19, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on September 14, 1944, he was the third of four sons born to Max Lyle and Yuba (Schmith) Honn and grew up in a lively household in Normal that no doubt formed his humorous, gregarious nature as well as his love of quiet and solitude.

Herb attended Illinois State University, where he met and married his wife of 59 years, Norma (Treschak) Honn. He served in the Air Force from 1968-1972 at Andrews AFB and Shemya AFB in the Aleutian Islands, an assignment he always claimed was due to defeating a senior officer in a game of darts. Despite this error in judgment, he was recognized as Airman of the Month at Andrews Air Force base, where he also won a sharpshooter medal. This skill he turned to account in the judicious use of a BB rifle to frighten squirrels away from the birdfeeder.

After receiving his honorable discharge, Herb taught at Rupert A. Nock Middle School in Newburyport, Mass., returning to Normal to earn a MS in special education at ISU. He taught industrial arts for several years at Metcalf Laboratory School and Fairchild Hall, instructing many of those courses in sign language. Herb was a surrogate father to many of the Fairchild students, whom he often brought home for a family dinner or on outings to sports events. The rest of his teaching career was spent Unit 5 at Parkside and Chiddix Junior High Schools. At his retirement it was noted that thousands of homes throughout central Illinois proudly featured a three-legged stool made in Mr. Honn's shop. However, Herb was even more proud that over more than 30 years as an educator he-and every single one of "his kids" - still had all their fingers.

On his retirement, Herb devoted himself to golf, fishing, and his grandsons. He and Norma spent many happy winters in Manasota Key, Fla., where he was able to indulge all three passions, and he enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada with his brothers, biological and "from another mother." During a lifetime as a sportsman, Herb acquired 8 holes-in-one and numerous fishes of immense size, which true to his childhood nickname of "Little Brother Nature," he always released.

Herb was a skilled, meticulous craftsman and an artist of many talents. He made many beautiful, gifts for family and friends that are cherished as much for the memories of his generosity and hours in the workshop as for their grace.

Herb is survived by Norma; daughter Elisabeth (James Mussell) Hoegberg; brother Thomas (Barbara) Honn; grandsons Erick Kenyon Hoegberg and Andrew David Hoegberg; son-in-law David Hoegberg; niece Vanessa (Ian Asplin) Honn; nephew Brighton (Melissa) Honn; and best friend of 75 years, Doug Williamson. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Max Michael Honn and Andrew Lyle Honn.

There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, above all please honor Herb in your memories. Be kind, live generously, do something unexpected and zany. Donations may be made to Home Sweet Home Ministries of Bloomington, Illinois.