John LeRoy Hornbach

John (Jack) Leroy Hornbach Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin, MI on Monday, March 11, 2024 after a long decline from dementia. Jack was born on June 4, 1930, in Grand Rapids, MI to John L Hornbach Sr and Irene (Rittman) Hornbach, both of Sandusky, Ohio. He graduated from Central High School and Grand Rapids Junior College then joined the Army during the Korean War era. Sideswiped by a mis-fired 155 mm howitzer shell during training, he spent a year in recovery then became an Intelligence Specialist, learning Russian at Army Language School. He turned down an offer to work at the American Embassy in Moscow, choosing instead to return to Michigan, to marry his high school classmate Ruth Simpson, and finish his education with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1956. Hired by the City of Grand Rapids in 1957, he was promoted to Assistant City Engineer in 1961 and to City Engineer in 1965. Throughout his tenure, Jack spearheaded transformative projects that revitalized the city, including coordinating freeway construction, rebuilding downtown bridges, modernizing sewage treatment facilities and creating the infrastructure upon which downtown redevelopment occurred. His commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative infrastructure development positioned Grand Rapids as a pioneer among cities nationwide. He retired in 1994, after 37 years of service. Beyond his professional achievements, Jack was deeply engaged in the Professional Engineering community, serving as the President of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers and as Vice President of the National Society of Professional Engineers. His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards. In 1974, he was named “Engineer of the Year” by the Joint Engineers Council of West Michigan and in 1984, he received the “Outstanding Engineer” award from Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. He was on the Engineering Advisory Boards for both the University of Michigan and for Grand Valley State University. In his personal life, Jack was famous for cross-country family trips in his van, rebuilding the family cabin from the ground up, and having a joke for every occasion. Always gregarious, he loved throwing large dinner parties and holding outdoor BBQs at his cabin. He was active in local environmental organizations including the Pere Marquette Watershed Council and the Dwight Lydell chapter of the Izaak Walton League where he once served as president. He was an avid angler in both Michigan rivers, as well as in the Florida Keys, where he purchased a winter home after retiring. Jack married Darva Boot in 2008. They spent many happy years traveling the world together when they weren’t fishing in Florida. Jack cared deeply for Darva and they lived together in Grand Rapids and the Florida Keys until Jack moved to his home in Baldwin due to his declining health. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Katherine Hornbach (Scott Blessley) of Tucson, AZ and Vancouver Canada, daughter Susan Hornbach of Tucson, AZ , daughter, Joan Masters (Jeff) of Ann Arbor, MI, son John Hornbach (Pam) of Baldwin, MI; granddaughter, Sara McCormack (Nick); great grandchildren, Meadow and Jedidiah of Beaver Dam, WI; dozens of nieces and nephews, including great, great-great, and great-great-great. He is fondly remembered by four international exchange students from three different countries. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife, Ruth Hornbach in 2007; his sister, Letty Lane Kermode; and his brother, Charles (Chuck) Hornbach, all from Grand Rapids. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League or to your local library.