Hal Horneffer

Harold (Hal) Louis Horneffer was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on July 7, 1932 to Edna Seidler and Louis George Horneffer. He held numerous jobs in his youth including making deliveries for a local drug store and serving as a “soda jerk.” Rumor has it that his father used to stand outside the back door of his Sunday school classroom for the rare occasions when he tried to flee.

Hal attended Purdue University where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, ran the sound system for performances at Elliott Hall of Music, and completed ROTC. Later, he received an MBA from Wayne State University. At Purdue, he had the good fortune of meeting Jean Cordes Morris while on a blind date as mutual presidents of their fraternity and sorority. They were married in 1955 and even after Jean’s passing in 2002, he continued to wear his wedding band for the rest of his life.

Hal and Jean lived in Germany from 1955-1956 as he completed his service in the Air Force as a First Lieutenant. They lived in Milwaukee for a short time as he went through his training for Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation before moving to Grosse Pointe and then Kalamazoo, Michigan. For the last five years of his career, Hal served as a Regional Sales Vice President commuting between Kalamazoo and Milwaukee until eventually settling full-time at the Regency House after Jean’s passing.

Hal was proud of the work he did and built many close relationships with wonderful colleagues. Two years ago, we were delighted to celebrate his 90th birthday in the beloved Allen-Bradley Clock Tower.

Hal retired in 1990 and lived these last decades in a uniquely vibrant way that redefined what later life could look like to those around him. His friends were numerous — some younger and some older— and they came into his life in as many ways as the eclectic interests and careers they held. This made for especially lively July 3rd fireworks parties at his condo — one of many events he thoughtfully hosted.

Hal loved the arts and greatly appreciated the many opportunities in Milwaukee to enjoy theater performances, museums, movies, and music. His musical tastes were especially broad as he enjoyed listening to SiriusXM Deep Tracks, Emmet Cohen’s live streams, jazz at Cathedral Square Park and Caroline’s, and the soulful music at Immanuel Presbyterian Church. Of course, his favorite musical performances were by the “Part Time Models” with his son, Mark, on vocals and guitar. Until his last months, he never missed a show.

Hal rarely met a person he didn’t like, and he rarely crossed the street within the lines of a crosswalk. He was spirited and fun—always ready to celebrate others and introduce people over a shared attribute or interest that he discovered. He was open-minded, curious, and deeply interested in the world around him. He was an avid WSJ reader, and regularly shared relevant articles with others.

Hal was an inspiration to so many. He was known as a “true gentleman” and a person who always looked for the best in others by seeing and appreciating who they were. His charm and positivity were contagious. As one friend summarized, “Hal was a rare soul who made the world a brighter place. He loved his family and friends fiercely, inspired everyone with his kindness and wisdom, and lived with a goodness that’s hard to find these days.”

Hal passed away peacefully at his condo on December 6, 2024. He is survived by his son, Mark Horneffer & daughter-in-law, Beth Horneffer (Brookfield, WI); daughter, Karen Horneffer-Ginter & son-in-law, Paul Ginter (Kalamazoo, MI); grandchildren, Katie Horneffer (Raleigh, NC), David Horneffer (New York City, NY), Emily Horneffer (Washington, DC), Nathan Ginter (Los Angeles, CA), Kenzie Ginter (New York City, NY); and cousin, Carl Seidler (Russellville, Kentucky).

A Celebration of Life will take place on the 1st floor of Regency House, 929 North Astor Street, Milwaukee on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (remarks & toast at 1:00 PM). A family burial will be taking place at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, December 28, 2024.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of Hal’s love for the arts, a contribution in his memory to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, the Milwaukee Film Festival, or another arts organization or artist of one’s choosing is welcome.