Robert M. Hornaday  November 8, 1939 - March 2, 2014

Robert M. Hornaday, age 74, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, died Sunday evening, March 2, 2014, at his home in Michigan City, Indiana, after an illness of a few years.       

Born in Chicago on November 8, 1939, Bob was the son of the late B. Morris Hornaday and Regina Dorothy (Harrell) Hornaday Krogh. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in electrical engineering and enjoyed a long and successful career in computer software development. As owner of Robert M. Hornaday & Associates, he designed innovative computer programs for such companies as Inland Steel, Continental Can, U.S. Messenger, and Lakeside Bank.

On August 15, 1964, Bob married Ruth L. Spaeth. He was her devoted husband and dearest friend for 49 years, and with his unique brand of good humor brought much laughter and happiness to all his family and friends.

Bob was justly proud of his military service, and as a First Lieutenant with the United States Army, he was responsible for leading the computer center operations at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. As a member of the Rotary Club of Homewood, Illinois, he continued to contribute his time and talents to his community.

Sailing, cooking, and studying Civil War history were Bob's lifelong interests, but his great love was Grand Beach, Michigan, where he was able to spend countless pleasurable hours with his family, the center of his life.

Bob is survived by Ruthie and their children Heidi Hornaday and husband Erik Beers of New Buffalo, Michigan; Lance Hornaday of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren, Liam and Calla Beers of New Buffalo, Michigan; sisters Susan (Terrence) White of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, Jean Summers of Freeland, Washington, Marcia (Dennis) Heitzmann of State College, Pennsylvania and JoAnn (Bryan) Rice of Carbondale, Illinois; brothers David Krogh (late Sharon) of Grand Beach, Michigan, George (Karen Rodd) Hornaday of Toronto, Ontario; brother-in-law Raymond (Sharon) Spaeth of Chicago, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held in Homewood, Illinois. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bob's memory to New Buffalo Area Schools, The Robert M. Hornaday Fund, 1112 E. Clay St., New Buffalo, MI  49117.