Dr. William J. Hornbeck

While all men are created equal, some are simply born to become special, to make a difference in the world around them. William Hornbeck was just such a man, so brilliant, so vibrant, so special. He was a loving husband, proud father and gifted surgeon, yet most of all, William was a man who made a difference in the lives of all those around him. William's story began on a cold winter day in 1923, in the state capital of Lansing, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, as the Roaring 20s began to roar, with the sound of Big Bands and jazz music the backbeat of a new era, as Prohibition ruled the land. On February 9, 1923, Jay and Margaret (Streeter) Hornbeck had plenty to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named William. The young family moved to Muskegon not long after William was born, and when he was a young boy they lived in North Carolina for two years during the dark days of the Great Depression. Eventually they returned to the sandy shores of Muskegon, where William attended Muskegon High School. He was a brilliant, gifted student and athlete, playing clarinet for the school band and starring on the Big Reds football team, as well. After football season ended, the hardworking William took a job February-September for Morton Manufacturing, too. Somehow the talented William found time to become class Valedictorian in 1941, and went off to attend Harvard on the Charles Marsh Scholarship, the only Michigan native to win the lofty national award. William played football for Harvard, where he also pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. With the Korean War looming, William was certain he would be drafted, and joined the Army ROTC program and continued at Harvard Medical School. Because of the war, he was on an accelerated program and finished medical school in two years. He then went to Harper Hospital in Detroit to do his internship. During this time, he met and married Yvonne Pousma in 1949. Upon completing his internship he was stationed at Fort Ord in California as a Captain in the Army's Medical Corps. The new Doctor added another title that same year: proud father! William and Yvonne celebrated the birth of their only child on June 9, 1953, their baby son, Bill. William was an excellent, supportive father, who proudly raised his son to become a successful man in his own right. Today Bill is an attorney in Florida, and is the proud father of three sons of his own, Jay, John and Josh. William's marriage ended in divorce in 1971, though he wasn't destined to remain alone. That same year he married a wonderful woman named Joanne Fredericksen, who brought her four boys into the marriage, Jeff, Craig, Kurt and Brian, whom William treated as his own. Joanne was truly the love of William's life, and they shared a special life together. They entertained often at their home on Lake Michigan, which Bill loved so much. He loved the beach, and especially loved taking his catamaran out on those white-capped waves. William and Joanne also traveled all over the world together, visiting Japan, Egypt, Turkey, Berlin, Germany, Russia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Greece and the Scandinavian countries, too! They also saw many plays in New York City, and saw many other states during Bill's travels for the American College of Surgeons, where he was a board member. William loved to take Joanne out on the town, and being quite a good dancer, he especially loved being Fred Astair to Joanne's Ginger! The couple also bought a condo right next to Muskegon Mona Shores High School, which they enjoyed so much. They were very active in school functions, and faithfully attended the Sailors' football games and school plays. William was a man with myriad interests, though, and was a voracious reader. His library collection consists of thousands of books, on everything from sports, politics, nature, painting, history, economics, health, music, to of course medicine, among many, many others. He was also a very athletic man his whole life, and also enjoyed jogging, tennis, squash, handball and aerobics, too! The past 14 years he worked out at the Muskegon YMCA and the Omni Fitness Center. William was also very close to his entire family, and especially his sister Jaynette and her four children, Jane, Mary, Ginger and Hank, whom they spent many wonderful vacations and summers with over the years. After Jaynette sadly died, William enjoyed having dinner with Hank and his wife, Carole. As remarkable and enriching as his personal life was, William's professional life was equally as rewarding. He was a brilliant and gifted surgeon, who served as the past Chief of Surgery at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, as well as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Staff and Board of Trustees member at Mercy Hospital. After many years with his own medical practice, he had joined the Muskegon Surgical Associates staff in 1974, where he remained until retiring from active medical practice in 1988. His retirement was short-lived, however, as it often is for such talented, driven men like William. In 1991 he renewed his medical license to become the Medical Director of Mercy Glen Recovery Center, where he stayed until 1995. He then became the Medical Director of Bio-Blood Components, Inc. from 1995-98. William also lent his considerable skills and expertise to many different boards over the years, holding many important positions during his storied, 52-year career. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, certified in 1956 and recertified in 1982, member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the Muskegon County Medical Society, among others. Sadly, William died on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at 7:05 a.m. at the University Park Living Center in Muskegon. William was a brilliant, remarkable man, who led a remarkable life. He was so talented, so gifted, yet always so gracious to those around him. He was a loving husband, proud father and loyal friend, and a truly gifted surgeon. Most of all, William Hornbeck was a man who made a difference in the lives of all who knew him. He will be so greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, William J.(Theresa) Hornbeck of FL; 4 step-sons, Jeff, Craig, Kurt & Brian Sowa; 12 grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jaynette Austin Spencer. Services are scheduled for Thursday, March 1, 2007, 11:00 AM at First Congregational Church with Rev. Tim VanderHaar & Rev. Christine Barton officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church or Charity of choice. Please visit William's personal Memory Page at www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of William, or sign the online guestbook.