Lenore Jeanette Honke
August 14, 1934 – July 30, 2025
Lenore J. Franzen Honke, age 90, passed away on July 30, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar M. Honke, her parents Margaret and Albert Franzen, sister Alberta McBride, son Thomas Honke, granddaughter Katherine Hills, and great granddaughter Olivia Miller. She is survived by her children Deborah Hills (Richard), Susan McArtor (Michael), John Honke (Nancy), Mary Erwin, and Jeffrey Honke; grandchildren Betsy, Abigail, Joannah, Graham, Matthew, Jonathan, Brian, Benjamin, Andrew, Christopher, Ansel, and Evalin; great-grandchildren Wilhelmina, Obi, and Ivy.
Lenore was born to Margaret and Albert Franzen on August 14, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. Upon graduating from high school in 1952, Lenore moved to Omaha to work at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She met Edgar Honke, then a student at Creighton University. They were married in 1954, and over the years, Lenore had six children who adored her.
Upon retirement from the telephone company, Lenore worked at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Catholic Charities.
Her many friends were very important to her. She was an avid traveler and visited numerous countries with both friends and family. She loved her sports, including the Creighton Blue Jays and the Huskers.
Lenore was a devout Catholic and her faith directed her life. She volunteered at numerous organizations including delivering as an EME at St. Robert’s Church, distributing the Eucharist at Bergan Mercy Hospital, and delivering Meals on Wheels.
Lenore was blessed to have remained in her own home until the day she was called to Heaven.
VISITATION: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00pm to 7:30 at the West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, August 6th at 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha.
INTERMENT, Resurrection Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Catholic Charities of Omaha or Nebraska Humane Society.
To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
16 Comments
Sending our heartfelt sympathies at this time off loss. Your mom/grandma was a special warm and witty lady. May she rest in peace. 🙏
My sympathies to all the family. I worked with Lenore at NWB for many years. And she was a good friend as well.
Lenore was a long-time friend of my mother, Stella Becker. I have good memories of Lenore visiting our home when I was growing up. My sincere condolences to the family.
I have fond memories of Lenore from our years together at the telephone company. She was a special lady who worked hard for “Ma Bell,” and was so proud of her family. Sincere sympathy to her family as you prepare to honor her at this sad time.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Ms Lenore was a treasure. Peace to you during this time.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to Lenore’s family. We live next door to her and just loved her. She will be missed greatly on our street. I hope you all find peace within your grief.
Sending our thoughts and condolences to Lenore’s family during this difficult time. We will miss having her next door and she will be missed on our street. We lived next door and loved her phone calls or visits when we made yard upgrades. I hope her family finds comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who have were called before her.
I had the opportunity to work with Lenore and found her to be a very dedicated person who lived her faith in all she did. She was always positive and did her best in all things. I feel certain she is now in Heaven and watching over all of her family and friends.
Lenore and I worked together at NWB and the Chamber. She was my very best friend and I will miss our get togethers and our long, long talks. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. God bless her soul and her family.
Lenore and I met early 90s at Northwestern Bell. We had many wonderful trips in the US and Europe. We spent many hours together and on the phone. She was a wonderful friend and travel buddy. I miss her already. RIP Lenore.
I worked with Lenore at NWB/US West and became friends through a social group we called US West Friends. Lenore always kept our group organized and lunch/dinner dates on our calendars. She was such a beautiful woman and I will miss her! I’m so happy she was able to stay in her home with kitty. My deepest sympathy to all her family. Rest in peace sweet Lenore.
I will always remember the big family Christmas gatherings at the Honkes. There was laughter, good times, & good food. Grandma Lenore was a strong woman who raised 6 children, including my dad. I’m grateful for the person my father is, so in return I’m grateful for Lenore raising my dad.
My deepest sympathies to you Sue and the whole family. Lenore was a special lady. Her commitment to her faith was inspiring at the TEC events and I was always so grateful that she was willing to give up her time to serve. I enjoyed all of the old pictures on this site and had to do a double take on some of them, thinking they were you Sue. What a beautiful person!
My deepest sympathy
My sincere sympathy to the family. I worked with Lenore at the Chamber. Rest in peace Lenore.
I just saw the notice of Lenore’s passing. My mom, Lois, met Lenore at NWB in the early 50’s and remained friends over the years. Sincere condolences to the family! Lenore was one of the best and will be deeply missed.
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