Oskar Maximilian Hornbach

Oskar Maximilian Hornbach passed away peacefully on November 25, 2017. On December 28, 1937, Oskar was born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany to Emil and Maria Hornbach. He was a loving husband to Catherine (Bower) Hornbach. They would have celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on December 14, 2017. He is survived by his children Erich (Jane) Hornbach, Christina (Michael) Norman, Cara (Christopher) Wegener; his nephew, Michael Ansen; and six grandchildren. Oskar was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Old Newsboys, and the Rotary Club of Haslett-Okemos. He enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, and hunting. He especially loved spending time with his family and grandchildren playing checkers or chess. He loved walking his dogs and those of his children. Hattie, his schnauzer, visited him in his final days and brought him much comfort. He called her “der beste Hund.”

Oskar was a remarkable man whose perseverance and sense of honor guided his life. He grew up in a small mountain village surrounded by the Bavarian Alps. In the winter, he enjoyed skiing and often skied to school. In the summers, he spent his time riding horses and hiking. He attended boarding school at the Ettal Abbey near Oberammergau.

As a young man, he immigrated to the United States to be with his sister, Rosemarie in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served three years in the United States Army. After he was discharged, he moved to Lansing, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, he met and married the love of his life, Catherine. He attended Michigan State University, and throughout this time he worked at Bud Kouts Chevrolet. Following graduation, he attended Wayne State University Law School and started practicing law in 1966. Oskar’s law career included serving as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Ingham County and City Attorney of Lansing. Eventually, he went on to private practice, forming a small firm in downtown Lansing – Spence, Martin, & Hornbach. Oskar also served as counsel to Michigan State University in the early 1980s, successfully defending the University in several discrimination cases. He later went on to solo practice focused on wills, trusts, and estates. At the end of his career, he served as a mediator for both federal and state courts. He was recently honored by the State Bar of Michigan at their 50-Year Golden Celebration.

A memorial service and gathering will be held on Sunday, December 10, 3 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to All Saints Episcopal Church where a memorial fund has been set up to honor Oskar.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com