Lawrence Charles Hornbeck

Lawrence C. Hornbeck, age 81, peacefully entered eternal life on August 20, 2026 at Heart-to-Heart Hospice in Troy, MI while holding his wife’s hand. Larry was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 9, 1945 to Elsie (Potrykus) and Maywood Hornbeck and spent his childhood living in Oakland Township on a small family farm, which was originally owned by his grandfather. He was a graduate of Lake Orion Schools and Lawrence Technological University. He married his love, Jo Anne, on June 6, 1998 after a chance meeting at a dance studio. A very kind man, Larry approached life with dignity and purpose, dedicating himself to excellence in all his endeavors. He loved his life as an architect beginning his career with firms Anderson and Reinke as well as Alexander Bogaerts & Associates, and then venturing on his own in 1988, founding Lawrence C. Hornbeck & Associates. He proudly turned his business over to his son, Christopher, in 2013, working alongside one another until Larry’s retirement in 2018, a very special time for both of them. Many people’s lives were transformed by the beauty that Larry afforded them in his design of their homes…his talent and insight was a true gift that he used well. A highlight in his career was having one of his designs featured in Home & Garden magazine. Larry loved his family. He was a dedicated husband, loving Dad, and doting grandfather. He cherished family times together, celebrating every occasion even just “being” with the grandkids. It was one of his biggest joys to share in the daily life of his family, often coming home from work on lunch hours to feed his grandbabies and put them down for a nap. He was known for his gentle ways, his honesty, his kind heart and his dry sense of humor, that would always catch everyone off guard. Larry was always a gentleman and always groomed to perfection Their love of ballroom and Latin dancing was very special to Larry & Jo Anne. They had the opportunity to see beautiful venues, travel to various locations, and enjoy beautiful music while their feet swayed to the music. Their dancing also led to many wonderful friendships. Larry loved all genres of music, particularly Opera and the standards. Having been raised on opera music, which his dad loved, Larry was named after famous opera singer, Lawrence Tibbett. Upon retirement, Larry & Jo Anne found winters in Florida to be “the” answer. They enjoyed their life in Florida, the entertainment venues that The Villages offered and often played a daily round of golf. Many rich friendships took root in Florida. Larry also loved history and the mystery of science. He loved philosophy and was always teaching his grandchildren about the wonders of the world. He was a true Patriot serving our country in the U. S. Army while stationed in Germany. Larry is a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Troy as well as New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages. Larry’s health struggles led him to a deeper faith. He was looking forward to being free of sickness and we are thrilled that our great architect is now safely in the hands of the greatest architect, Jesus. Larry will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his loving wife, Jo Anne, his devoted son Christopher (Jessica) and their loving grandchildren, Anneliese, Elliana and Callen. He is also survived by his son Eric (Mary), and their children, Jonathan, Tyler, Gavin and MaKayla. He also leaves behind his brother Gerald Hornbeck (Marhea London), his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Denny and Pam Poyfair, cousins Jim and Doloris Potrykus, Verne and Claire Potrykus and Garth and Gail Potrykus, many nieces and nephews and many, many special friends. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie & Maywood Hornbeck and sister-in-law, Gloria Hornbeck. Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 3-8 p.m. at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons Funeral Home, 54880 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township, MI. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, 6363 S. Livernois, Troy, MI. Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10 a.m. with service following at 11 a.m. A grateful thank you to all who cared for Larry during his illness. His life was enriched by the loving care of many, especially Dr. Elena Stephan, Dr. Jay Pradhan and Dr. Enrico Calvo. The nurses at Heart-to-Heart Hospice are also special caregivers who helped make Larry’s last days comfortable. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart-to-Heart Hospice, The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, the American Heart Association-Michigan or the Michigan Animal League. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Lawrence Charles Hornbeck

August 9, 1945 - August 20, 2026