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Steve Hornberger Obituary
Steve was born to Fremont and Louise Hornberger (nee Baldwin) on November 15, 1950. The second born of this hardworking family, Steve enjoyed growing up on a farm in southern Douglas County. He helped his father and brother raise cattle and crops until they moved to town when he was sixteen. He shared stories of going to Union School, a one-room school just south of the farm, and skating on the farm pond. His entire family was active in Worden Workers 4-H, with his personal highlight being winning with his grand champion steer at the Douglas County 4-H Fair.
Sheriff Rex Johnson hired Steve while he was still in high school to work as a dispatcher, thus setting his career path. He finished his bachelor's degree at KU with an emphasis in political science, and commuted to Warrensburg while working full-time to complete his Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Central Missouri. He retired in 2015 after serving 46 years in his chosen profession, including working for the Kansas Attorney General's office, the Kansas Securities Commission, and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office; his last position being Undersheriff. He served his country for six years in the Air Force Reserves.
Steve was a role model for many. He was honest, fair, hardworking, and a great listener. He never sought the limelight; rather being the steady rock that kept the organization and his family moving in the right direction. Many have shared the importance of Steve's leadership in their lives and personal careers. Recently, he enjoyed serving as an advisor to the Valor Selection Board, an organization that recognizes and honors our area first responders.
On October 19, 1980 Steve married Cindy and started a wonderful life full of love, travel, and friendship. They met in the Emergency Department where Cindy worked as a nurse. Soon after they got married their house was blown away by a tornado and they quickly learned what was most important in life. They are blessed with two sons, Ryan and Jeff and their wonderful daughter-in-law Jen. Having been baptized as a child, Steve rediscovered his faith as a young father and joined Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where he and Cindy have attended for the last nearly 30 years. His best friends then and now are the families of Stratford Court, where he and Cindy raised their sons.
Steve leaves behind his brother Bob (wife Brenda), two nephews Jason (Jean) and Jordan (Robin) and his niece Leslie and their six children Lindsey, Luke, Sydnee, Rylee, Julian and Charlotte. In addition, he leaves Cindy's large family who he enjoyed immensely, often hosting family gatherings for holidays and special occasions. Family was the most important thing for him, and he dedicated his time to helping his sons grow up to be kind, hardworking men. He was a steadying force with the famous phrase, "Either it will or it won't", understanding worrying about things isn't always helpful and the importance of trusting God. Together the family traveled the world with Steve eventually visiting nearly 25 countries. Besides his love of travel, he enjoyed reading, staying current in politics, and hiking. His favorite hikes were walking on the Great Wall of China, and backpacking with his oldest son to Hole-in-the-Wall campground in Glacier National Park. To him, the outdoors was a manifestation of God's glory.
Steve expressed at the end of his life his gratitude for the wonderful staff at LMH Oncology Center and specifically Dr. Sharon Soule, who provided expert and compassionate care. The nurses and staff at the Oncology Center were exceptional and will long be remembered. Thanks too, to Dr. Gerald Pees for being his longtime primary care physician and friend.
Because of current health concerns, a service will be held next year when we can celebrate Steve's life. Memorials will be accepted for the Douglas County 4-H Foundation, an organization long supported by the Hornberger family. Memorials may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve Hornberger
tim byers
September 3, 2020
Over the past 40 years or so Steve and I have been friends and coworkers. Was proud to have called Steve a friend.
Shirley Dinkel
September 2, 2020
Dear Cindy, Ryan, Jeff and Jen
My memories of Steve go back to before you were married, Cindy. I remember how happy you were when you learned your family was going to grow each time!
As you said, Steve was a "rock" to many. Our world will be a little less stable without him. However, he taught us all that we are stronger than we know when we walk in the light of the Divine.
Know that many of us hold space for you all in our hearts.
Shirley
Debra Frye
September 1, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss I have fond memories of Steve from school. He was always a kind gentle soul.
Suzi Cammon
August 31, 2020
Cindy, Ryan & Jeff -
Our hearts go out to you all. What a great guy! What a huge loss! We extend our sincere sympathy for the loss of this awesome guy.
As neighbors, we always knew that it was happening - up on the 'Court'. The kids just all grew up too soon.
Please find comfort in the love and memories that surround you as a family.
Hugs,
Suzi Cammon, Camille & Casey Lauer
How you can show support
Austin Paley
August 30, 2020
Thinking of all the Hornbergers (that I know), Ryan, Jeff and Cindy. I still laugh about the time Steve scared the hell out of meat at Wakarusa Music Festival. I was probably doing something illegal when I hear my name shouted out by a stern looking guy in a very official looking uniform. My friends from Oklahoma thought I was done for until we realized it was Steve, and he gave me a big slap on the back and introduced himself to everyone (I coulda swore he was working for KBI at the time...) Steve knew the value of hard work, and he always paid for labor on the spot, at the end of the day. I'll never forget that. You did well, Steve, and set a good example for us all.
D Steven Hulsopple
August 29, 2020
Cindy, Ryan/Jen and Jeff
Sharon and I are deeply saddened of Steve’s passing. Please accept our deepest and sincere Condolences.
My last email from Steve noted his current treatment program was not as effective and that he/family and his doctors were researching other options/treatments. I am truly sorry none was to be found.
True to his nature, Steve always remained positive about the future, and talked about plans to travel with family throughout the coming year. Family was always most important to him. Although very private in many ways, he shared how proud he was of your sons / daughter-in-law, and how much Cindy - you meant to him and of your encouragement/support of him, and especially the past years during his treatments for myeloma. Steve deeply loved and cherished you and his family with his whole heart.
I had nearly forgotten, but as you noted, his famous phrase of "Either it will or it won't" was heard many times over the years. He also had a way of just looking at you, with no words spoken, and you knew immediately that maybe, a different way of handling an issue would have been better. He never sought attention, always putting others first, willing to listen, offered encouragement and advice - if asked, especially when things/times were difficult.
I knew Steve to be a man who truly loved and trusted God with his whole heart, mind and soul. On the morning of his passing, I am very glad that the family was able to be at his side. Your presence and love no doubt provided Him with a great sense of peace and comfort, as he passed peacefully from this life into life eternal with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Steve was a very close FRIEND and will be greatly missed.
Again, Sharon and I extend our sincere condolences to all of the family.
Steve & Sharon Hulsopple
Berryton
Andrea Glatz and J.C. Stoner
August 29, 2020
Our condolences to the Hornberger Family. Steve was a wonderful person surely gone too soon. All our love, Andrea & J.C.
Curtis Barnhill
August 29, 2020
My condolences to Cindy, Ryan, Jeff and the other members of Steve's family. Steve was a good father and husband, and a great person in general. I first meet Steve through Scouting. He was very supportive of the scouting programs and activities in which his sons participated. Steve was dedicated to service to his community. He will be missed.
Randy Mullikin
August 28, 2020
I met Steve when I joined the Kansas Securities Commissioner’s office. Steve was a great mentor. I continued to see Steve periodically at retirement lunches. He was very supportive to me when I was diagnosed with melanoma. Prayers to his family.
Randall Mullikin
August 28, 2020
I met Steve when I joined the Kansas Securities Commissioner’s office. Steve was a great mentor. I continued to see Steve periodically at retirement lunches. He was very supportive to me when I was diagnosed with melanoma. Prayers to his family.
Peter & Virginia Curran
August 28, 2020
Pete had the good fortune to become acquainted and work a bit with Steve. He was a very capable man of high moral character who died way too soon. He surely will be greatly missed. Virginia and I extend our condolences to all of his family.
FOP #2 Chaplain
August 28, 2020
Members of Fraternal Order of Police, Lawrence Lodge #2 give our sincere condolences to Steve's friends and family in this time of grief. We worked with Steve over the years and he was our brother too.
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