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Lloyd "Hap" Hornbostel, Jr. (1934-2007) Member #36 Rock River Thresheree Class of 1964 STATELINE AREA -- A longtime resident of the Stateline area, Lloyd "Hap" Hornbostel Jr. passed away on Jan. 24, 2007, at his home in Roscoe, IL. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Hap was born in Beloit May 27, 1934, to Dorothy and Lloyd Hornbostel. He was a graduate of Beloit Memorial High School. His college education included degrees in geology and engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For 39 years he was married to Julia Conkling Hornbostel, who receded him in death in February, 2000. He then married his loving wife, Linda Reinhardt in August, 2003. During his college years he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in several locations throughout the USA, working on numerous advanced electrical and nuclear technology defense systems projects. His early professional career followed in his father's footsteps as an engineer with Beloit Corporation. Hap's design efforts resulted in numerous patent awards for technology incorporated in many of the world's largest paper machines. During the 1970s, Hap worked as a private inventor, which included joint engineering efforts with a number of firms throughout the USA and Europe. He then began his career at Parker Pen as Director of Engineering for Advanced Technology. One of his most memorable projects at Parker was the development of a computer pen and tablet, an early version of what would become more widely known in later years as personal digital assistant devices. After leaving Parker Pen he developed Business Technology Services, consulting with McCleary, Inc., of South Beloit and other regional, national and international firms. Hap's lifelong interests covered a wide spectrum of modern and historical activities. Many will remember his undying love of antique clocks, firearms, vintage cars, boats and motors. There were few things that he could not disassemble and repair. He also was active for many years in various Scouting adventures with his son John and Troop 311. Hap was active in the community for many years with such organizations as the Beloit Redevelopment Authority, Rock County Historical Society and Wisconsin State Historical Society. He worked on historic restoration projects such as the Bushnell-Wheeler House in South Beloit and the Beckman Mill in Rock County. He spearheaded the effort to list the Stone Bridge in Roscoe, IL, on the National Historic Register. He was also involved for many years with the Rock County Thresheree. Many Labor Day weekends were celebrated behind the boiler of the Cannon Ball steam locomotive that he, Walt Durst and many other talented enthusiasts developed and installed at the park. In later years, he took great pleasure in writing two novels, as well as numerous "letters to the editor" regarding his unequivocal positions on gun control, local politics and government zoning issues in Illinois and Wisconsin. He was also an active supporter of the UW-Rock County campus, serving on their foundation board for more than thirty years. Hap and his family spent many enjoyable summers on the lakes of southern Wisconsin and in Door County. There was little else that he enjoyed more than a day on the water while sailing, windsurfing or riding in a small boat powered by one of his restored antique outboard motors. For a number of years, this hobby also included rides, to all who would dare, in his handmade coal-powered steamboat. When winter froze the lake, he could be seen skipping across the ice on an iceboat, skates or skis. Hap loved to travel. His varied interests often culminated in visits to places seldom traveled by others at that time. It was his lifelong interest in geology that lead to his family taking their first overseas trip in 1975 to Iceland to see the geothermal magic of that island. As recently as four years ago, he was still exploring caves and other geological features in Grand Cayman or traipsing through the woods of Jefferson County in search of ancient earthworks. Hap had an enduring interest in the archaeology of prehistoric peoples in America, particularly those who lived near Rock Lake in Wisconsin. Hap received the gift of life in the form of a kidney transplant three years ago, and we wish to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the donor's family, and to all the doctors, nurses and health professionals who skillfully cared for Hap. We encourage others to learn about organ donation. He is survived by his wife, Linda Reinhardt; son, John (Maggie) and their daughter, Rachel of Toledo, OH; and daughter, Julia (James) Bartholomew and their daughters, Sarah and Kathrine of Edina, MN. His knowledge of all things mechanical and sense of humor will be remembered for years to come. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please send memorials to the University of Wisconsin-Rock County in Janesville, and Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center in Rockford. Arrangements are for a memorial to be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Rosman, Uehling and Kinzer Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1125 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI. A memorial service will be held at 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at St. William's Church, 456 N. Arch St., Janesville, WI. A luncheon will follow at the church hall.
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