Donald "Gene" E. Hornstein

Donald E. “Gene” Hornstein, 79, Kokomo, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013, at his home. He was born March 23, 1934, in Chokio, Minnesota, to Ernest Hornstein and Mildred (Donarus) Smith. He married Marlys (McDonald) Hornstein on November 17, 1952, and she survives.

He graduated from Beardsley High School and later worked for Chrysler from where he retired in 1990. He was a member of Local UAW 685. He enjoyed to hunt, fish, and watch TV, and he loved and cherished his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Mark (Jessie) Hornstein, Donald Hornstein, and Michael (Wanda) Hornstein; two daughters, Karen (John) Vonderahe, and Kim (Rodney) Himelick; 12 grandchildren, Gretchen (Dave) Workman, Amy (Brent) Smith, Nicholas (Heather) Hornstein, April Vonderahe, Julie (Jerry) Satterfield, Michelle Hornstein, Kathleen (Josh) Taylor, Whitney (Curt) Haisley, Jamie Vonderahe, Anthony (Marie) Schultz, Hilary (Billy) Knerr, and Josshua Schultz; 17 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Marvin (Elaine) Hornstein, and Wayne (Shannon) Hornstein.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Dean Hornstein.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home with Michael Hornstein officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.