Andrew “Andy” Hornbach, 92 years old, of St. Leon, IN passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Andy grew up in Yorkville where he lived on a farm and walked to a one-room schoolhouse. He earned a nickel a day for getting to the schoolhouse early and lighting the fire that would heat the building.
Shortly after graduating from Guilford High School in 1950, Andy was drafted by the United States Army. He bravely fought on the front lines of the Korean War and was fortunate to return home to tell his war stories when so many of his fellow soldiers did not. While in the Army, Andy sent all of his paychecks home to help his family; something he continued throughout his life, always helping out family and friends both physically and monetarily whenever possible. Upon returning from the war, Andy went back to his job at Seagrams where he worked as an operator for the distillery. His strong work ethic pushed him to learn every job at Seagrams so he could fill in for others and earn overtime pay. He also loved building “chicken fryers”. He made over 436 chicken fryers which he sold or donated. It was during this time that he met his future bride, Frances Meyer, at a dance in New Alsace. Andy was proud to be one of the founders of the St. Leon Volunteer Fire Department. He helped bring the first fire truck to St. Leon, build the firehouse, and serve as a volunteer firefighter.
After 44 years at Seagrams, Andy retired and spent much of his time helping the church with maintenance issues and was very involved with the St. Joseph American Legion Post 464. He also took a trip to Washington, D.C. where he reunited with his sergeant at the Korean Memorial. Those who knew Andy can vouch for his talkative nature. Whether he was shopping with Fran or hanging out at St. Andrews, he loved to strike up conversations and catch up on the gossip. Andy most loved talking to his granddaughters to whom he would tell story after story.
Andy will be deeply missed by Fran, his loving wife of 66 years; daughter-in-law Lesa Hornbach; grandchildren Amanda (Ben) Naumann and Angie Miller; great-grandchildren Addie & Simon Naumann; and sister Margie Wendel. He is preceded in death by his son Mike Hornbach, siblings Kay Haas, Marie Gillman, Irene Dickman, and Maurice Hornbach; and his parents Mary & Anthony Hornbach. Services for Andy will be held on Saturday, September 30 at St. Joseph Church of All Saints Parish. Rosary will begin at 10:00, followed by visitation until the start of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made to St. Joseph American Legion Post 464, All Saints, and Masses. Memorials will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to Andres-Wuestefeld Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com