Ronald E. Horndasch, 81, ascended into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with son-in-law Darrell Goering at his bedside after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Ron was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 14, 1944 to Hubert and Anne Catherine (Jacobs) Horndasch.

Ron graduated from Honey Creek High School in 1962, attended Wabash College after which he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps (1966). He was deployed to Vietnam in 1968-1969 where he was a "boots on the ground" Marine. He served a second tour from 1970-1971 as a radar air strike controller. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1974. He received many medals for his service in Vietnam and was very proud of his tenure as a Marine. He was exposed to Agent Orange which would later invade his body with Parkinson's Disease.

After his military service, Ron worked for Singer Corporation (now Lockheed-Martin) as a weapons tester on numerous Naval ships. This allowed him to see the world. After a mass reduction in force, Ron returned to Terre Haute and began his career with Eli Lilly, Clinton Lab as an instrument technician. He retired in August, 2009 after 20 years of service. Ron met his wife, Judi in 1989 at an adult literacy group held at the library. He had a passion to help young men desiring to join the service but that were not able to pass the required ASVAB. Further, he wanted to teach adult men to read. He partnered with  Education Services at Sisters of Providence as a volunteer and within a few months, they were awarded a $2,000 grant for supplies needed. Classes for young men wanting to pass the ASVAB were conducted at The Life Center and the success rate was greater than 75%.

In 2012, Ron became the first Veteran Volunteer with Hospice of the Wabash Valley. He and his wife, Judi were instrumental in helping staff develop the We Honor Veterans program. As a veteran volunteer, Ron visited Hospice patients where he gained the trust and companionship of many veterans approaching the end of life. He participated in more than 100 veteran pinnings, a recognition and thank you service to veterans.

Ron loved flowers and landscaping. He maintained the most beautiful & meticulous yard in the neighborhood.

Ron loved his family first and foremost after God. He was a devoted son, husband, father, Pop Pop, Papaw Great and friend. Ron was a faithful member of The Life Center church. He and Judi spent many years vacationing with family to favorite destinations such as Kentucky Lake, Gulf Shores, Branson, Destin and Daytona Beach.  Where there was good fishing, beach bumming and boating/jet skis, we were there!

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Judi (Boyd) Horndasch, daughter Heather Stark (Travis Ely), step-children Angie Goering (Darrell), Malcolm Dean Boyd (Lisa), half-sister, Cheryl Diebold (Mark), step-brother John Whalen, brother and sister-in-law Johnnie Rogers (Georgia), grand children April Garrett (Chris), Tersha McNeely (Sam), Breanna Hagenow, Carli Yoder (Buck), Wyatt Hagenow (Laura), Tanner Hagenow (Angelina), Noah and Adam Stark, and 24 great grandchildren. Ron has many aunts, uncles and cousins plus many close friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, adult daughter, Cathy, mother-in-law Mary Rogers, stepfather Richard Quist, son-in-law Jarrod Hagenow, brother-in-law Mark Killion, and sister-in-law Anita Killion.

We want to express our sincerest thank you to Hospice of the Wabash Valley and Clinton Gardens for the loving, compassionate care given to our Marine.

Visitation will be at Debaun Springhill Chapel on Saturday, January 24th, 2026 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Service at 1:00 pm with Darrell Goering Jr officiating. Full military rite burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ron's memory to Hospice of the Wabash Valley, the Loyal Veteran's Battalion or The Life Center Church.