Sonny Honrud, 78 of Bismarck, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
He was born Feb. 19 th , 1944, in Powers Lake, North Dakota, to the late Carl and Bernice Honrud.
Sonny spent his youth in Powers Lake where many stories are told of fast cars and the mischief he was always up to. Before leaving home for mechanics school in Wahpeton, Sonny lived with Murray and Lois Clark and their family in Powers Lake where he built bonds that lasted a lifetime.
After leaving school he joined the US Marine Corp in 1961 where he proudly served his country as Military Police until discharge in 1964.
After discharge, Sonny returned to the Powers Lake/Stanley area and united in marriage to Bonnie Jarmin on Dec. 10, 1965. They built their life together and were blessed with three children: Robin, Robert (Petey), and Joey.
During his time in Stanley, Sonny sold cars for Rasch Motors for 12 years and this re-ignited his passion for cars, which he continued to collect throughout his life. Sonny was very active in the American Legion in Stanley where he held numerous positions, including Post Commander. He also enjoyed attending his children’s extracurricular activities. Sonny and Bonnie later divorced.
In the mid to late 70’s Sonny spent time farming in the Stanley area, then in the early 80’s he worked as a seismographer. He soon began work as a contract pumper in the oilfields in the Tioga area. He continued with that for a couple of decades. Sonny then began working as a Drilling Consultant which he continued until his retirement.
In 1990 he married Donna Pretzer. Sonny expanded his family to include two stepsons: Todd and Torey Pretzer and a stepdaughter Julie Pretzer. Sonny and Donna moved to Minot and after retirement to Bismarck and Arizona. Together he and Donna were found to be regulars at the yearly Hostefest where Sonny volunteered for the Red Cross. If Sonny was not traveling with Donna to spend time with family or attending an event, he was rebuilding cars, which was always his lifelong passion.
Sonny will be deeply missed by family and friends. He was not only known to take the role of father or grandfather, to many he was also a great mentor. He always had words of wisdom to share and the love of a humble heart. He instilled good values in all of us and taught us how to live life without compromise. He was a powerhouse of a man, and we will forever be grateful to have had him be a part of our lives.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife Donna of 32 years, daughter Robin (Jerald) Lang, Bismarck, Petey (Joni) Honrud, Bismarck, Joey (Melissa) Honrud, Garrison, Stepdaughter; Julie Pretzer, Williston, Stepsons; Todd Pretzer (Sherri) Fargo, and Torey Pretzer (Kathryn), Arizona, Brothers; Robert (Debbie) Clark, Sister; Leone (James) Sundley. 21 Grandchildren and 40 Great-grandchildren.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bernice Honrud, sister Jo Ann Neether, foster parents Murray and Lois Clark, and foster brothers James, Murphy, and John Clark.
Memorial Service: Saturday, June 11, 2022, 3 p.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home, Bismarck ND.
Interment of Ashes: Monday, June 13, 2022, 12 p.m. at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan ND.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sonny’s memory.
To view the memorial service, please click here .