Effie Hondl, 92, Dickinson, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at her home surrounded by her family. Effie’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Robert Shea as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Bob Stockert presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday.
Effie was born to Frank and Pauline “Polly” (Kasian) Jearmchuk on July 2, 1932 in Billings County, ND near Fryburg. Thereafter, her family moved to the family farm north of South Heart. Effie was a great student and athlete. Often her teacher would ask her assistance in the classroom and she enjoyed teaching others. She was a star on their basketball team (half-court at that time) and fondly remembered traveling to games with other families. She continued to follow and watch basketball throughout her life. She graduated from South Heart High School in 1950.
Effie met her husband Albert Hondl at a wedding dance. They were married October 17, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in South Heart. Shortly after they began their married life they moved to Albert’s family farm southwest of Dickinson after the death of her mother-in-law. They cared for Albert’s younger siblings while raising their own children. Early in their marriage they endured the loss of their eldest child Kenneth (age 5) in a car accident.
Life on the farm was very busy. There was tending to a large garden, milking cows, raising chickens for eggs and meat, canning, feeding cattle, hauling bales, butchering, fieldwork, and maintaining the household. She was very resourceful and frugal knowing how to make supplies and equipment last for many years. She set an example of; being disciplined in your work, show up to help, and save for the future while attending to daily needs.
Effie was an excellent cook whose meals were always satisfying and spawned many requests for her recipes. The family was active in Farmers Union where Effie taught classes to the youth about the benefits and importance of family farms.
Effie was a nurturer and believer in natural health. She had many home remedies for treating a variety of ills and used supplements throughout her life. She also had a strong prayer life and faith in God. This gave her the hope and the grace to take on the challenges of life with a positive attitude and smile. She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church for 75 years and also St. Ann’s Society where she helped with the funeral and prayer chain ministries.
Effie was a care giver at heart, a great listener and easy to talk with. There was an honesty and sincerity about her that attracted others. After her children were mostly grown she began a career as a nurse aide (CNA) and served for 35 years at the hospital as well as home health retiring at the age of 78. She shared a camaraderie and friendship with other caregivers over the years. She was often recognized for her thorough and caring manner with patients. Mother Teresa said “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great Love”. This describes Effie’s many acts of caring for her family and others.
Effie and Albert retired from farming in 1989 and moved to Dickinson where Effie continued her work as a CNA and pursued her hobbies. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in Dickinson, Minnesota and Alaska always showing them her love and cooking a treat or meal. She also liked crocheting, needlepoint, cross stitch, and polka music. She was a member of the Dickinson Senior Center and enjoyed her time with friends playing Pokeno and especially Bingo.
Effie is survived by her four children: Kurt (Marilyn) Hondl, Dickinson, Tamra Dukart, Dickinson, Keith Hondl, Dickinson, and Kerry (Sundi) Hondl, Wasilla, AK; daughter-in-law, Dea Eschenbacher-Hondl, Baxter, MN; ten grandchildren, Jeremy Hondl, Royce Hondl, Blake (Sara) Hondl, Rachael (Christ) Marshall, Dustin (Stacy) Dukart, Alex Hondl, Krista (Mike) Riesinger, Derek Dukart, Jenna (Schuyler) Roskam, and Kenneth Hondl; nine great grandchildren, Eva, Ellie, Huntley, Addison, Leo, Avery, Ellie, Emmy Jo, and Josie; sisters, Dorothy Gerhardt and Jane Fitterer; two sisters-in-law, Lillian Kuchenski and Ann Hondl.
Effie was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her sons, Kenneth and Kevin; her parents, Frank and Pauline; brothers, Frank Jr. (infant) and William; sisters, Martha (2 yrs.), Mary (infant), and Justine (Mike) Bauer.
