Herbert Richard Hornberger

Herbert Richard (Dick) Hornberger passed away at Iowa Methodist Medical Center on September 11, 2010 surrounded by his family.

Dick was born May 16, 1928 in Columbus Junction to Herbert and Eva (Hickman) Hornberger. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Drake University and the University of Iowa College of Medicine. Following graduation from medical school in 1953, he completed an internship in Phoenix and joined the U.S. Air Force. Dick held the rank of captain and served as the commander of the base hospital in Okinawa, Japan. Upon return home from military service, Dick completed an internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado in Denver. In December 1957, Dick married Joann (Jody) Cunningham of Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple moved from Denver to Des Moines in 1960 where Dick initially worked for the VA Hospital, then entered private practice. He continued his internal medicine practice until his retirement in 1993.
In 1994, Dick contracted Hepatitis A while traveling in India and Nepal and upon return developed liver failure. He was fortunate to receive a liver transplant which saved his life and gave him sixteen healthy years in which to see both his daughter and son happily married, and to hold and love his three grandchildren.
Dick enjoyed classical music, opera, photography, travel and was a lifelong learner. During his retirement, he continued to travel, keep abreast on medicine, and attend lectures on history, art and current events. Dick was a kind, patient man with a gentle sense of humor who had a friendly word for everyone he met. He loved time spent with family and was devoted to his children and grandchildren.
Dick is survived by Jody, his loving wife of 52 years; daughter, Laurie and son-in-law Jim Stiles of Prairie Village, KS; son, Steven and daughter-in-law Sara of Maple Grove, MN; granddaughters, Claire and Rachael Stiles; grandson, Owen Hornberger; twin sister, Billie Lee (Robert D.) Ray; and three nieces, Randi (William Watson), Lu Ann (William Newland) and Vicki (Mark Carlson).
It was Dick's wish to be cremated. A memorial service will be held in the community room at Wesley Acres, 3522 Grand Avenue on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Memorials in Dick's honor may be made to Donate Life America to promote organ donation, the Des Moines Symphony, the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Acres or a charity of your choice.