June Arlene Honsey

June Arlene Honsey was born in Bottineau, North Dakota June 22, 1931 to Clarence Helmer Salmonson and Edna Caroline Christensen. She grew up on the family farm helping in the field and working beside her parents and brother, Harlan.

After graduating from country school she went to high school in Dunseith, graduating in 1949. June moved to California with her Aunt and Uncle to attend college in Maryville, CA. She earned her Associate Degree and went to work in the banking industry. She missed home, her parents and the Turtle Mountains and soon returned to work at the Security State Bank in Dunseith, ND. During a winter snowstorm, June couldn’t make it all the way home in her car. She parked it along the road and walked the rest of the way to the farm. The county Cat came along and cleared the road and dug out her car at the same time. The operator was Leonard Honsey. They began dating. June later followed Leonard to Seattle where they were married on April 9, 1960.

June worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Downtown Seattle on the Teletype, an early text based communication system. She enjoyed her free time camping, hunting and spending time with her nieces and nephews. In March of 1965, a pregnant June went to work and by afternoon wasn't feeling well. Her boss drove her to the hospital and later that night, daughter Sharon was born. June and Leonard raised their daughter, traveled to the farm almost every summer and kept their roots in ND.

June kept a beautiful flower garden in Seattle and was always busy tending the yard. She enjoyed baking and we have fond memories of her exceptional pie crust with its perfect fluted edges! After Leonard's passing, June and Sharon were a team. Some of their travels included Washington DC, Yosemite National Park and New York City, where she was thrilled to see Christopher Plummer on Broadway!

North Dakota was never far from her mind and she loved spending time with her family and friends. One of her happiest memories was spending last Thanksgiving with family and she was planning for the next. June passed away April 17, 2022 at the age of 90 and 10 months. She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, parents Edna and Clarence Salmonson, and brother Harlan, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

June is survived by daughter Sharon Honsey, her beloved mini Aussie, Scout, nieces Carrie Johnson and Debbie Metcalfe and their families, nephew Greg Salmonson and family, and dear friend and like a 2nd daughter, Paula King. We thank all the people who have touched and brightened our lives. We had a strong little village around us, small but mighty! Our medical team has become family and we were truly blessed.

Dear Mom, Scout and I will miss you so much, I know we have an angel watching over us. Bless you and love you.

Memorial services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith, June 30, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Carol Wendel officiating. Burial will follow at the Little Prairie Cemetery, Willow Lake Township, Rolette County, ND.

All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the Honsey family.