Michael John Honkomp

Michael “Mike” John Honkomp, 61, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away at his home on August 24, 2026.

Mike was born in Graceville, Minnesota, on December 31, 1964, to Gayle Sharon (Jacobsen) Honkomp and Leo John Honkomp. He grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where he graduated from Great Falls High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana–Missoula in 2000.

Mike served honorably in the Montana Air National Guard and the United States Air Force Reserve, attaining the rank of Senior Airman. As a member of the 120th Civil Engineer Squadron, he contributed to the unit receiving the 1995 Colonel William L. Denecke Outstanding Civil Engineering Unit Award. Mike also completed specialized utilities and wildland firefighting training and supported Montana communities during the dangerous 2000 fire season. His service was recognized with a personal commendation and the Montana National Guard Campaign Ribbon before his honorable discharge in 2003.

Throughout his life, Mike worked in several different careers before ultimately starting his own business, Colorado Soda Blasting. He was hardworking, independent and never afraid to take on something challenging.

Mike had a lifelong love for cars, especially older vehicles that needed patience and attention. He enjoyed spending time around cars and took great interest in restoring both his own vehicles and those belonging to friends. Mike could see the potential in a car that others might have overlooked and appreciated the time and care required to bring it back to life.

Mike also loved sports, especially skiing and hockey. He loved to ski fast and once earned a certificate documenting that he reached 63 miles per hour, a story that perfectly captured his adventurous spirit. He especially enjoyed skiing with friends he had known since high school. Mike was also a loyal Detroit Red Wings fan, and watching hockey was something that brought him genuine excitement and joy.

Mike could initially be reserved and sometimes took time to get to know, but once he opened up, people discovered a funny, caring and loyal friend. He was also known as the life of the party and made many friends throughout his life—friends who became family to him. Whether he was on the slopes, spending time around cars or gathering with the people he cared about, Mike brought plenty of personality, laughter and unforgettable stories with him.

Beneath his sometimes guarded personality, Mike had a genuinely soft heart. He cared deeply for others and often stepped in to help people in need. He gave his time, shared what he had and helped however he could, often without expecting attention or anything in return.

Mike dreamed of having a family of his own. Although life took him in another direction, those who knew him believed he would have made a wonderful father.

Mike is survived by his mother, Gayle Sharon Honkomp; his sisters, Sharon Gayle Andrade and Kathryn Ann Paris; his nieces and nephews, Nick, Daniel, Ashley, Taylor and Jazmyn; his beloved dog, Jake; and the many close friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leo John Honkomp.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date. Friends and family who would like to receive the details are invited to contact his niece, Jazmyn.