It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dawn Honecker on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Dawn was born on Monday, July 8, 1963, in the vibrant city of Sacramento, California. She is the daughter of Paul Schippel and Lois (Leonard) Schippel. On October 13, 1979, she married the love of her life, Michael Honecker, and he survives in Centralia.
Dawn will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed by her devoted husband, Michael Honecker, and their children: a son, Michael Honecker Jr. of Centralia; daughters, Nichole Broadhurst of Greenville, IL, and Kristina Honecker, alongside her partner Christopher Van Epps, of Centralia.
Dawn’s life was enriched by her siblings, Mark Schippel (Irina) of Columbus, GA, Tim Schippel (Chanda) of Iuka, and her sister, Suzanne Tockey of Springfield. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Wyatt Holthaus (Elizabeth Keller) and Kirtanis Van Epps Honecker and she delighted in spending time with her great-granddaughter, Bryer Honecker. Her warmth and love extended to several nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
In her professional life as a homemaker, Dawn devoted her energy to building a nurturing and loving home. She was a passionate lover of the outdoors, often spending time having bonfires and riding Harley motorcycles. Dawn’s love of life and dedication to her family were evident and inspiring, as she cherished being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dawn was preceded in death by her father, Paul Schippel, her mother, Lois Leonard, her mother-in-law, Margie Honecker, and her brother-in-law, Laurie Tockey.
The family kindly requests that donations be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Honecker family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Cremation rites will be accorded, with a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date, providing family and friends the opportunity to honor and remember Dawn in a heartfelt gathering.
Dawn Honecker’s spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of warmth, kindness, and adventure will continue to inspire and guide her family and friends.
