Arno Wilhelm Hoerschgens

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arno Wilhelm Hoerschgens, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed from this world on November 10, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on December 24, 1942, in Dusseldorf, Germany, Arno lived a life rich in love, faith, and family until his last moments in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Arno was the cherished son of Wilhelm Hubert and Helene Johanna Houben Hoerschgens, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife, Elke von Dissen Hoerschgens, with whom he shared a loving marriage of 58 and a half years. Together, they created a nurturing home filled with warmth and joy. Arno's legacy continues through his children: son Sven Hoerschgens (Charle) of Boerne, Texas, and daughter Wiebke Hoerschgens-Ham (Christopher Ham) of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He took immense pride in his role as Opa to his grandchildren: Greta, Heidi, Carsten, Mathias, Helena, and Lukas, who brought him endless delight. Additionally, Arno will be fondly remembered by his sister, Doris Stehr (Ulf) of Munich, Germany, as well as his four nephews and one niece, and was well loved by his older sister Marlis Stehr (Immo) of Dusseldorf, Germany who also preceded him in death.

Arno met his wife on the ski slopes of Austria as a young man in 1965, and between frequently skiing with her and the snowmobiling trips he enjoyed solo until 2019 his family believes those surprise November snow flurries that fell for about half an hour late Monday afternoon were Arno giving his wife one more reminder of how beautifully the Lord orchestrated their love story as he was welcomed into heaven, fully healed from the constraints of his heart and lungs.

While Arno's two children were raised an ocean away from grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins, his grandchildren in South Carolina have been blessed by near daily contact with their Omi and Opa and cherish their memories of seeing him on the sidelines of soccer games, in the stands of swim meets, third row back from the stage at all ballet performances, and countless rides to and from practice, usually with a little treat Omi had prepared for them. Those familiar with Arno recognize that when he expressed surprise at whichever grandchild walked straight into their home, he was expressing his love and happiness to see them, no matter how many times he jokingly protested those random visits. He welcomed them for quick visits or sleepovers, meals, Disney movies with a bowl of ice cream on the couch, and incredibly well-thought-out trips with Omi and Opa when each of them turned nine years old. While he didn't participate much in conversations around the table when it was full, he was always listening as the conversations swirled around him, and it was a point of pride for the kids when they were able to get him to break into laughter over their nonsense. Despite the miles limiting their visits, Omi and Opa treasured each opportunity to spend time with their granddaughters in Texas.

Arno's academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting, which paved the way for a successful career as a Controller in the steel industry. In 1973 he was offered the position of Executive Vice President and Treasurer for Diversified Steel in Tampa, Florida, who then briefly transferred the family to Houston, Texas in 1982. While they soon moved back to Tampa, the cowboy boots remained a wardrobe staple for Arno as did Alabama on his playlist. Their final move was to Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1998 where he then retired from Thyssen Steel in 2010. Never returning to live in Germany, he and Elke both became proud citizens of the United States in 2006. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his integrity, diligence, and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike.

Retirement allowed Arno and Elke the freedom to travel extensively in both Europe and the United States; wonderful trips happily and meticulously planned by Arno and thoroughly enjoyed by them both. While at home, his favorite place to be was in the sunroom on his computer planning their next trip with the weekly bouquet of the roses he bought for Elke on the table.

In his community, Arno was a pillar of faith and service. While raised Catholic, he converted prior to his marriage to Elke in 1967 and then served as an ordained deacon and elder in the PCA. A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, he impacted the lives of many through his roles as a Sunday School teacher and leader of small group Bible studies. While not comfortable leading a large group, Arno was committed to the reading and study of God's word and faithfully led his small group men's Bible study for years. He attended and participated in various Bible study groups even up to the weeks before his passing. His commitment to his faith was unwavering, and he exemplified the values of kindness, humility, and love in every aspect of his life.

Beyond his professional and spiritual contributions, Arno possessed a deep appreciation for the arts. He loved the opera, jazz, and symphony, often finding joy in the beauty of music and culture, and was excited every season to see the subscription offerings for the Charlotte Symphony, Opera Carolina, and the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra. His wife did request he limit his appreciation for his favorite jazz artists behind a closed office door, however. He was a man who relished the simple pleasures of life, with a heart that dearly loved his family and cherished the companionship of his "lovely wife" Elke.

As we remember Arno, we honor a man who dedicated his life to serving others, nurturing his family, and spreading love wherever he went. His gentle spirit and compassionate heart will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Arno's life will be held on November 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at 1320 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Mission to the World at mtw.org or to Samaritan's Purse at samaritanspurse.org.

Arno Wilhelm Hoerschgens leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.

Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.