Doris Elaine Pontius
September 28, 1936 ~ February 3, 2025
Doris E. Pontius, 88, Sioux Falls, SD, died Monday, February 3, 2025, in Sioux Falls.
A Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, at Heartland Funeral Home in Brandon. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, at Heartland Funeral Home. To watch the Funeral Service by livestream, please click HERE.
Doris Elaine Honsey was born on September 28, 1936, in Bottineau, ND, to Sam and Arla (Lagerquist) Honsey. When she was two and a half years old, her father died in a trapping accident. Doris was the youngest of five children. She fondly remembers her oldest brother, Leonard, who was thirteen years old at the time, becoming the ‘head of the household’ and rocking her to sleep at night. Despite the family tragedy, Doris enjoyed her childhood on their farm that bordered Canada, near the Peace Gardens. They worked and played hard together.
Riding horses bareback to school, skating on the cattle’s water tank overflow, snow skiing behind galloping horses, cooking for threshing crews at twelve years old, sewing and knitting – all became life-long activities. She and her sister, Faye, were known to ‘ride horses like the wind!’
At the age of seventeen, Doris dedicated her life to living for God. She remained true to this vow and found great joy and meaning for life while studying the Bible and living her faith. This faith and love for Jesus was the foundation for her life and deepest comfort in death.
Doris graduated from Rolla High School in 1953 and worked as a secretary in Minneapolis, MN where she met John Pontius. They were married in 1957 and lived in Tacoma, WA during John’s years in the Army. They returned to Minnesota where Bradley John was born in 1962 and Shannon Faye in 1965. They lived in Faribault, Roseville, and Hastings before moving to Sioux Falls, SD in 2010. Doris and John enjoyed sixty years of marriage and worked side-by-side with an apple orchard and a sales company where Doris was involved in marketing, accounting, and managing each business.
Doris was a wonderful mother to Bradley and Shannon, encouraging piano lessons, teaching them to love the outdoors, being positive, practical, and creative. Pancake batter was formed into turtles, furniture became forts, hikes in the woods and downhill skiing were mandatory. When others were concerned about the weather, she would say: “Just dress warmly, and you will love winter!”
She was also a fun-loving grandmother to her four grandchildren. She led them on forest adventures full of laughter near the St. Croix River and sewed and knitted for them – creating many doll clothes and costumes along with mending/tailoring.
Doris will be deeply missed by her two children, Bradley Pontius, Boulder, CO, and Shannon (Dan) Graber, Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren, Alina and Elise Pontius, and Annika and Grant Graber, half-brother, John Abrahamson; dear sister-in-law, Clarice Honsey; and beloved nephews and nieces. We will never forget her love for God and life.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John Pontius; parents, Sam and Arla Honsey; stepfather, Alfred Abrahamson; and siblings, Leonard, Harvey, Glenn Honsey, and Faye Williams.
The family is grateful for the care and kindness provided by Sanford Home Hospice during Doris’ last month of life.
Our sympathy to the family – Dan & Shannon, Annika, Grant, and Brad and his daughters Alina and Elise. Doris always made other people happy. Her focus in life was truly serving God and living for others. She will be missed, and remembered in grateful hearts.
John & Jenny K
I will always remember her wonderful smile and how she would clasp her hands together with exuberance when she would hear of good news or celebration. In my mind’s eye, I can see her doing just that now and her exclaimation of “Wonderful!!!” at the same time! Love you Auntie
Many wonderful memories I have of Doris and John when the lived in Faribault and the Cities, The years I babysat Shannon and Brad and the evenings just sitting around and talking Such a privilege to have know them. Our Sympathy and love goes to the family
Ily
Aunt D. was , and continues to be one of life’s treasures. She never spoke ill of anyone and always had a smile that told you the condition of her heart. I will miss calling her to get my pep talk and to talk about how God moves in our lives. I will miss you Aunt D.
Thank you Aunt Doodie for all the love you shared and wonderful memories to be cherished. Rest in peace sweet lady.
Without a doubt we will miss our Doris. We feel SO privilege that we were able to spend time with her just not so long ago.
Her smile, her attitude, her continually encouraging, endurance and deep faith was like drinking the purest water.
Once in the last few days “I” said to Doris I want to encourage you to “go”. Her response was “Oh I wish I knew better how to encourage others.” Which is something she did ALL THE TIME, through her life and love for God and His work. Shortly after speaking with her I heard someone say she encouraged us and I called to tell her just what they had said, which was SO TRUE. She just said “Oh, thank you.” with a grateful heart – So like Doris !!
And even as she is not here in flesh she still encourages us to go on and run the race to the end, as she did. So thanks, Doris and thanks for leaving a “legacy”, as the world says, for us to see God in action.
And yes, we still miss John also. What a team they were. Many good conversations around their kitchen table. Thanks for being there. THANKS, THANKS, THANKS.
We remember the family also, as they transition into a life without (John) and Doris. It is a challenge, but one that God will help you with. MUCH LOVE TO EACH.
Dane & Joan Hinkley
Sincere sympathies to Doris’ family, with heart felt memories of a dear, sweet lady❣
Doris’ contagious smile made you smile! Her life and countenance was a huge nspiration of what was important to her in life!
Loving care,
Bob & Tania(Tapin) Stephens