He was born on Feb. 28, 1958 in Chicago, Ill. to Arthur and Elaine Modrow Horneck. Don was raised and attended schools in Chicago, graduating in 1976. He then attended Monmouth College in Monmouth Ill., graduating with a bachelor degree. Don was united in marriage to Victoria Birk on May 23, 1981 in Geneva, Ill. He attended the University of Illinois where he earned his master’s before earning his Ph. D from Oregon State University in 1993.
They moved to Hermiston in 1994 and Don worked for Agrisource for a time before going to work at the OSU Hermiston Extension office where he was currently a Ph. D Extension Agronomist – Professor. They built a home just outside of Irrigon along the Columbia River and moved in 2008 where they have lived since. Don was a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church, Hermiston, the Rock Hounds, Lions Club, and a soccer referee for many years. He enjoyed geology, traveling, running, soccer, music, working, helping others, the outdoors, and church. Don loved his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Don was very generous and giving of his time and talent.
He is survived by his wife, Vicki Horneck, Irrigon; daughters, Amy Jewett and husband Tyler, Hermiston, Abby Ross and husband Ted, Duluth, Ga.; son, Brian Horneck and wife Oriana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; parents, Art and Elaine Horneck, Leesburg, Fla.,; sister, Denise Sullivan; and sister-in-law, Lisa Horneck, both of Rock Island, Ill.; four grandchildren, Ashley, Mason, Elaina, and Taylor; an aunt and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Horneck.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston High School Commons.
Contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois or the Faith Presbyterian Church in Hermiston.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
