Howard Lee Hongsermeier, age 84, of Sarasota, Florida, went to be with his Lord at 7:20 A.M. on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at his home with his loving wife’s arms around him.
He was born on October 17, 1938, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Fred and Alma Mary (Stone) Hongsermeier. He met Rebecca Joan “Becky” Thompson at Faith Assembly of God Church in Sarasota, Florida, and they were married in their church on December 16, 1977, combining their two families for a total of six children. Becky survives him in Sarasota, Florida.
In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, Mr. Hongsermeier is survived by his children, daughter, Kathy Hegemann and husband Mike of Colorado Springs, Colorado, daughter, Tresa Yost and husband William of Tazwell, Virginia, son, Stephen Hongsermeier of Kentucky, daughter, Lisa Payne and husband Ron of Myakka City, Florida, and son, David Hongsermeier of Florida; grandchildren, Samantha Cox, Nicole Widmer, Danielle Weaver, Jake Widmer, Sean Yost, Reese Yost, Joann Allen, Lillian Hongsermeier, Anthony Hongsermeier, Nick Hongsermier, and Ronni Sue Payne; great-grandchildren, Dylan Cox, Carissa Cox, Jensen Weaver, Thea Weaver, and Benjamin Allen; brothers, Richard Hongsermeier of Houston, Texas, and Larry Hongsermeier of LaVergne, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hongsermeier was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Hongsermeier and Alma Hongsermeier; daughter, Lorie Gulsby; granddaughter, Kristi Gulsby; brothers, Donald Hongsermeier and Allen Hongsermeier; and sister, Carolyn Bond.
Mr. Hongsermeier attended Faith Assembly of God Church in Sarasota, Florida, and was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ in Irvington, Illinois. He loved his church and loved reading the Bible. Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving his country for four years. It was his passion to be out tending to his family farm. He enjoyed being outside with his plants, cutting down trees within his forty acres of land, and raising donkeys and Golden Retrievers. He also enjoyed scuba diving and riding in his boats over time. Howard cherished the time he spent with his family.
Mr. Hongsermeier retired in August of 1998 as a conductor from CSX Railroad after 33 years of service. Howard had his happiest days when he moved to the family farm in Richview, Illinois, where he raised fruits and vegetables and made wine. He recently moved back to Sarasota, Florida, in 2021, and previously lived in Richview, Illinois, from 1998 until 2021, and Sarasota, Florida, from 1997 until 1998.
Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Howard Lee Hongsermeier will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Irvington, Illinois with Pastor Stacy Tate officiating. Interment will follow in Friedens United Church of Christ Cemetery in Irvington, Illinois. Friends may visit with Mr. Hongsermeier’s family from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois, and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Irvington, Illinois. The Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Hongsermeier’s arrangements. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mr. Hongsermeier’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.
