Frederick F. Honke

Passed away at Four Season's Nursing Home in Westland on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the age of 77. Frederick was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan the son of William and Bessie Mae ( nee Van Meter ) Honke on April 3, 1937. The family lived on a farm in the area and then moved to Salem. While living in Salem Fred joined the Salem Township Fire Department as a volunteer. In January of 1959, he along with his new bride Anita, moved to Plymouth Township where he too became a volunteer firefighter and then a little over a year later he became a full time firefighter. Fred was promoted to Sergeant in July of 1970 and to Captain in November of 1985. In 1995 after 35 years on the force, Fred retired. In his own words he stated, " I love my job at the fire department because I am able to help other people by saving lives, homes and property that have been threatened by fire and other accidents. " His interests and hobbies were many and varied including woodworking, gardening, camping and hunting. Fred was also the historian of the Plymouth Township Fire Department. The family also enjoyed their time at Houghton Lake in their trailer. Fred further stated, " the most important and most precious things in my life are my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my wife, my children and my grandchildren. " He is survived by his wife of 56 years Anita and children Yvonne ( Steven ) Denn, Frederick ( Nadine ) Honke, Kevin Honke and Jennifer ( Blair ) Miller. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Amy Denn, Brian ( Stephanie ) Denn, Emily Denn and Duncan Miller and brother Richard Honke. He was preceded in death by his siblings Janet Covach, Ernest Honke and Cynthia Buffmyer. Ernest's wife Julia also survives. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 1pm until 8 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday from 10 am until time of the funeral service at 11 am at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1343 Penniman, Plymouth with Pastor Paul Schafer officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Eden Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions are suggested to the church, the Kidney Foundation of Michigan, the American Diabetes Association or the Parkinson's Foundation.