Alex Homberger

Alex H. Homberger, 94, died April 15, 2007. He was born October 26, 1912 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland to Ernst Jacob and Bertha Margaretha Homberger. Following secondary school, Alex completed his military service, attained an engineering degree from the University of Zurich, and with his brothers achieved great success as members of the Swiss National Rowing Team, including silver and bronze medals in the 1936 Olympics and numerous medals at the Henley Royal Regatta. In 1938, Alex came to find adventure in America where he lived and worked around the country for a time. He settled in Michigan and took up residence in a mansion in Grosse Pointe that was known as "Shangri-la" by the many bachelors living there. White Lake residents will remember him as the man who brought the Michigan Steele Company (MISCO) to Whitehall during the 40's. In the 60's, Alex moved to Ann Arbor to start his own company, the International Automation Corporation. In 1973, at the age of 61, Alex married Jean Corfield Hannan and returned to the White Lake area where he worked for Howmet Corporation until his retirement. Alex and Jean enjoyed retirement at their home on Lake Michigan where they entertained friends, family, and many houseguests. Alex was known to be a fiercely honest and principled man with a terrific sense of humor. He entertained us with his enthusiastic recollections of the funny things people said and did. Alex is much loved and will be missed by many friends and family members here and in Switzerland. He will remain in our hearts forever. Alex was preceded in death by his wife, Jean and grandson, David A. West. He is survived by his sister, Doris Altherr; sisters-in-law, Mady Homberger and Nonny Homberger; and many beloved nieces and nephews residing in Switzerland and around the world. He is also survived by his step-children, Sandra Heaton (Maurice), Kathleen West, John E. Hannan (Johnnie), and Susan Burskey (Michael); and grandchildren, Alissa Postlewait, Sean West, Jessica Hannan, Alexandra Blatt-Dempsey (David), and John A. Blatt, Jr. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Whitehall, 900 S. Warner St., Whitehall