Rod is in the yellow shirt in the center of the Plank Holders at the 2012 Reunion
Rodney B. Honkola, 71,
of
Embarrass, Virginia died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at St. Mary’s Medical Center surrounded by his family.
He was born in Biwabik on March 15, 1945, to John and Linnea (Marttila) Honkola.
He graduated from Embarrass High School in 1963 and was drafted into the Army in 1965.
He served as a helicopter crew chief in Vietnam assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry, the “Black Knights”.
He received multiple medals and badges including the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
After returning from Vietnam, he was employed as an auto mechanic at Erie/LTV Mining Company, retiring after 30-plus years.
On Sept. 15, 2007, he was united in marriage to Heidi Knudson.
Rodney was a lifetime member of the Gilbert VFW Post 4456 and the Aurora American Legion.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, snowmobiling, watching the Minnesota Vikings, reunions with his Army crew,
time with his family and conversations with his special buddies at the local watering hole(s).
He is survived by his three children, Tasha (Jim) Rostvit of Eveleth, Raylon (Nina O’Hearon) Honkola of Embarrass and Barrett (Talicia) Honkola of Aurora;
eight grandchildren, Nesslie, Kitana, and Jillena Honkola; Alanna, Matias, and Miikah Honkola; Jacob and Rian Rostvit; siblings, Harold (Judi), Patrick (Rita), Keven and Heidi.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Walter Aho; his twin sons, John and James; his first wife and mother of his children, Peggy (Alaspa) Benjamin; special companion, Sue Wiebke; his second wife, Heidi (Knudson) Honkola; siblings, Howard Honkola, Patti Crunkelton; an infant brother and an infant sister.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2017, at the Embarrass Town Hall (7503 Levander Road) from 11:00am – 1:00pm. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Embarrass Cemetery.
Sam Slaughter comments:
SORRY TO REPORT ANOTHER LOSS OF A FRIEND AND FELLOW SOLDIER.
JOHN NINNEMAN WAS THE RIGHT DOOR GUNNER ON 676 A UH-1C GUNSHIP.
THIS WAS MY ASSIGNED AIRCRAFT.
JOHN WAS A SUPER DOOR GUNNER A GREAT CREWMEMBER AND A WONDERFUL AMERICAN.
WE SAW OUR SHARE OF THE SHIT, AND HE WAS ALWAYS THERE.
AGENT ORANGE FINALLY DID HIM IN... HE DID NOT RUN.
HE ANSWERED HIS COUNTRY'S CALL, AND HE AND HIS FAMILY ALL PAID THE PRICE.
THE FUCKING WAR GOES ON, AND I GET SO ANGRY I GET TEARS EVERY TIME I DWELL ON IT.. WE HAVE NOT LEARNED MUCH FROM THAT MISTAKE..
SAM SLAUGHTER, CRUSADER ONE
PS: MY WHOLE ASSIGNED CREW ON THAT AIRCRAFT IS GONE NOW.. CO-PILOT AL ORGAIN, CREW CHIEF NORMAN LILLARD AND NOW JOHN NINNEMAN.
Folded Wings
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