Kathleen Helen Hornbacher

Kathy was born on July 8, 1946, to Bob and Helen Hornbacher in Harvey, ND and grew up on a farm outside of Anamoose.

She attended school in Anamoose, Bismarck State College, University of Hawaii, and Dickinson State University where she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority. At DSU, the men of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity chose her as Sweetheart and fellow collegians voted her Homecoming Queen.  

Kathy dedicated her time and energy to serving others by being a high school science teacher and drill team coach, aerobics and seniorcise instructor, CPR, and babysitter certification trainer, Menards and Home Depot team member, and Kappa Delta Sorority house mother at North Dakota State University. In her 21+ years at Kappa Delta, she had the delight and honor of supporting 686 women and helped manage the chapter house.

She was a wonderful woman who elevated others. This included helping people without being asked to complimenting strangers. She was fun, positive and had a fantastic sense of humor. Kathy enjoyed house projects with her daughter and best friend Kristie, animals, riding her three-wheel bicycle, red licorice, volunteering for 4 Luv of Dog Rescue and anything with rhinestones and sparkles which she referred to as a splash of trash.

Kathy had terminal cancer and passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024, yet her impact and joy live on.

Remembering Kathy with great love are her daughter Kristie (Todd) Skunberg, dog Loretta, brother James (Doris) Hornbacher, niece Corrine Kroeker, nephew Trevor (Lisa) Hornbacher, brother in law Tom Ghanam, niece Lydia Morrow, nephew Robbie Ghanam, sister Rose Marie H. Gueldner and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Helen Hornbacher, brothers Marvin and Alan Hornbacher, sister Carol Ghanam, cat Bandit and dogs Peggy, Friska, Martini, Peanut and José.

Kathy requested no funeral service. For those who would like to honor her memory, carry out an act of kindness or donate to Kathy’s favorite non-profit 4 Luv of Dog Rescue.