Michael J. Hornsby

1940 - 2017

Michael J. Hornsby 1940—2017
Michael J. Hornsby, 76, of Machesney Park, Illinois, entered Heaven on Friday, October 20, 2017, while holding hands with his wife, Kathy and his daughter, Kari. In the days preceding his death from Parkinson's Disease, he was also tended to by his son, Bob, son-in-law, Tony, brother, Tom, and many friends who loved him deeply. Mike was born in Sandwich, Illinois on November 22, 1940, to parents Madge (Dailey) and Leslie "Bud" Hornsby. He grew up in Rochelle and Loves Park, Illinois, graduating from Harlem High School in 1958. He attended several colleges, most notably the University of Illinois, and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. After serving briefly in the US Army, he entered the finance and banking industry. Mike and Kathy then moved to Florida to join their friend, Larry Gibson, where they ran a successful home maintenance company. Mike returned to Rockford to be closer to his daughter, sons, and grandchildren, working in the wholesale floral business until he retired in 2002; he then began his own house painting business which continued until his illness progressed. A lifelong sports fan, Mike had a successful side career as a professional referee for a variety of sports including football, softball, basketball, wheelchair basketball, volleyball and swimming. Traveling throughout the country brought him into contact with many players and other referees who remained close to him until his death. Mike had been a member of Northeast Christian Church since 1998 and served as a greeter, in the choir, on the drama team, and on the early service praise team. He traveled on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2005, where he held a little boy who he then sponsored in the feeding program for the next 13 years. He was most proud of the task of changing the message on the church's sign because it was that sign that led him to the church and giving his life to Christ. That first sign read: "Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?" Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathy; daughter, Kari (Tony) Farthing and their children Auguste, Riley, Grace, Christy and Annie; son, Bob (Sara) and their children Cadence, Ella, and Alaina; son, Nick Rudolph and his daughter Lilly; brother, Tom (Jill); nephew, Chris (Patty); and niece, Sally (Pedro). Mike is predeceased by his parents and other extended family members. Mike's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Trent Barnhart and Nurse Julie Brock of OSF Palliative Care, as well as OSF Medical Social Workers, Shelly Gehkre and Tracy and all the OSF Home Health staff for their kindness in Mike's final days. We are also thankful for the many dedicated medical professionals who served Mike well throughout the years, including his treasured home caregiver, Marketa.
Visitation to be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Northeast Christian Church, 5651 E. Riverside Boulevard, Rockford 61114. A celebration of Mike's life will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon on Saturday with lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rockford Chariots Wheelchair Athletic Association. Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory is honored to assist the family. To share a memory or express condolences, visit honquestfh.com.