Edith C. Honnef

Edith Carol Honnef, 89, of Kewaunee, WI, died Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Heartwood Senior Living, Appleton. She was born June 29, 1934 in Algoma, WI to the late Frederick and Adelia (Born) Iwen. She grew up in Kewaunee on her parents farm near the Kewaunee River and worked in Door County restaurants during the summer to earn money for college tuition. She graduated from the University of WI Stout with a degree in Home Economics and education. On August 10, 1957, she married Donald W. Honnef in Kewaunee.

Donald and Edith started their lives together in Port Washington, WI and eventually moved to Denmark, WI to raise their family. Together they enjoyed a beautiful hobby farm where they taught hard work, integrity and sustainability to their children. Edith taught home economics at Denmark High School and cherished every moment in the classroom. She was respected by her students while often being called Mom or Grandma as her demeanor was caring, supportive and collaborative. Edith especially enjoyed working alongside her colleagues whom she considered family. She fully embraced the role of being a teacher and taught that education was an investment in yourself. Donald and Edith later relocated to Kewaunee on the family farm where she was raised. There they enjoyed retirement including their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Edith was ahead of her time in plant based eating, creative sewing and living naturally. She could hide the worst vegetables in the best cookies ever made, wear gray hair and wrinkles with honor and sew Christmas pajamas for her nine grandchildren that fit each one’s unique personality. Our Mom will be greatly missed. She was the root of the family that guided us all through great celebrations and tough times. She knew exactly when to lend a hand, offer comforting words or simply listen. Her love, devotion and commitment to her family will forever be her legacy.

Survivors include children Stephen (Grace) Honnef, Paul (Lori) Honnef, and Carmen (Tim) Honnef Patterson; grandchildren Derek (Kali), Emily (Joey), Amber (Steve), Brandon, Ryan (Haley), Andrew (Elizabeth), Allison (Zachary), Angela, Abigail, Chris (Macey), Nic (Moriah); brother Andrew Iwen and family, sister in law Andrea Iwen and family, brother in law John (JoAnn) Nelson and family, sister in law Linda Nelson and family; and many more nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Edith is preceded in death by her husband Donald W. Honnef, brother Dr. William E. Iwen, sister in law Nathalie M. Iwen, brother in law Edwin S. Nelson, and sister in law Dorothy A. Rylander.

Friends may call after noon Saturday March 2, 2024 at Cotter Funeral Home, 536 County Road R, Denmark, WI until a sharing of memories at 2:00pm. Burial of the urn will follow in Carlton Volunteer Cemetery.

We extend our gratitude to the Heartwood Senior Living staff and ThedaCare for the kindness, comfort and ability to guide us through this journey with a beautiful soul, our Mom.