Reverend Roy Gerald Hoenecke, 88, of Wausau, died on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, WI. Roy was born in South Milwaukee, WI, on December 10, 1931, to the late Professor Gerald and Norma (nee Larson) Hoenecke.  He married Elizabeth L. Kade on June 7, 1958. Roy's early childhood years were spent in Cudahy, WI, where his father was pastor at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church.  In 1946, his father accepted a call to pastor the congregation at St. John Ev. Lutheran in Sleepy Eye, MN, and moved the family there in 1947.  In 1952 the family moved once more to Thiensville, WI, where Roy's father had accepted a call to teach at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Roy graduated from Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, MN, in 1950 and from Northwestern College, Watertown, WI, in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He continued his ministerial education at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Thiensville, WI, for two years before studying abroad in Germany for one semester at the Lutheran Seminary of Oberusel, near Frankfurt and another semester at Heidelburg University.  During his year in Europe he traveled extensively, visiting 17 countries including the British Isles, Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Norway.  Upon his return he finished his studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, receiving a Master of Divinity degree on June 3, 1958.  After marriage just four days later, he was assigned to Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan, CO, where he served until 1961.  At that time he accepted a call to serve the congregation of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran in Jordan, MN.  In 1969 he accepted a call from Salem Ev. Lutheran Church in Wausau, where he remained as pastor until retiring in 2005.  One particular passion throughout his ministry work was making visits to home-bound members and hospital patients.  He called on unchurched and out-of-town WELS/ELS hospital patients in Wausau for over 35 years. Roy had several varied interests and hobbies.   Like his father, he developed a keen interest in photography and was one of the early adherents to the stereo (3-D) 35mm color slide photography format that was introduced in the late 1940s.  In 1950 he entered a national photo contest, among whose contestants included movie director Cecile B. DeMille, in which he won first prize for a photo taken of a herd of cattle on a North Dakota ranch.  Following his return from Europe, Roy gave 3-D European slide lectures to various  church and community organizations.  He also enjoyed cabinet-making and custom picture framing, and for a time generated a modest side income from the latter hobby.  With his wife Elizabeth he shared a love for classical music and the two attended many such concerts over the years, practically from the day they met.  Fondly remembered by his family are camping vacations to northern Wisconsin and the Rocky Mountain region of the west. Above all, Roy was a child of God having been baptized in December 1931, confirmed in his faith on May 27, 1945, and professed his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ throughout his life.  He is now home with his Lord. Roy was a loving husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a dear son, and a faithful friend.  Roy is survived by his children:  Mark (Susan) Hoenecke, Wausau; Daniel Hoenecke, Baraboo, WI; and Mary (Mark) Lepinske, Dodgeville, WI.  He is also survived by four grandchildren:  Katharine (Marc) Shambeau; Matthew (Karalyn) Hoenecke; and Christian and Stefan Lepinske; three great-grandchildren:  Jonathan and Malachi Shambeau and Jenna Hoenecke.  He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elizabeth, and his parents, Gerald and Norma Hoenecke. The funeral service celebrating Roy's entry into eternal glory will be on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at the Wausau campus of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2822 N. 6th Street.  Reverend Kevin Schnake will officiate, and long-time family friend, Reverend Stephen Schlicht will preach the funeral sermon.  Visitation will also be at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.  John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be directed to the family at HonorOne.com.