Obituary of Edith Hornung

Edith Augusta (Kasselmann) Hornung age 96 of Stratton Colorado passed into eternal life on Saturday, June 18, 2011. She passed away from complications of pneumonia and lymphoma. Edith was born on April 8, 1915 to William Carl and Christina (Schreck) Kasselmann. She grew up in the Catholic Community of Windthorst near Spearville, Kansas. She graduated from Windthorst High School in 1933 then worked as a domestic helper in Dodge City Kansas until 1935 when she married Swidbert (Swede) A. Hornung on November 20, 1935. They were farmers and lived on two farmsteads in the Spearville-Windthorst area from 1935 until 1943. Their son Palamon William was born May, 1937; followed by Albert M. in May 1939; then daughter Joyce M., was born in September, 1942. Swede and Edith and their three children moved from Windthorst, Kansas to a farm northeast of Stratton, Colorado in August, 1943. This move was during World War II and was successful with the assistance of Bill Hornung. Bill and Swede were lifelong friends and first cousins. Their fourth child, Kenneth V was born April 4, 1944 in Stratton. They lived on the farm for four years then moved to the town of Stratton in 1946. They continued to operate the farm, but also included a ranching operation, real-estate office, sale barn and a restaurant into their business activities. Edith was always the silent partner who cared for the children, cooked for the hired men, drove the families to and from the fields, helped with the movement of farm equipment, and assisted in cattle drives. Edith was a lifelong member of the St. Charles Borremeo Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society. Edith was also involved with the Republican Party in support of her husband when he ran for The Colorado House of Representatives in 1955. Swede and Edith were members of an informal group in Stratton, The Deer Hunter’s Club. This group of Stratton couples went on only one deer hunting trip to Craig Colorado, but continued for years as a social bridge playing club. After Swede’s death in 1970, Edith became a cook, and housekeeper for Father Bill Murphy. However, the most important activity, when she lived alone, was caring for and about her family. Edith was an amazing woman; she consistently put other’s needs, wants, desires, and dreams in front of her own. She was able to provide unconditional love to each and every family member. Edith was a generous, forgiving, humble, available, consistent, kind and always loving mother, grandmother, friend, and great grandmother. Edith enjoyed playing bridge and hosting bridge parties for many years. Edith is survived by her four children, Palamon Hornung and his wife, Jewell, Stratton, CO; Albert Hornung and his wife, Carla, Highlands Ranch, CO; Joyce Austin and her husband, Ron, Streetman, TX; and Kenneth Hornung and his wife, Susan, Mission Hills, KS. She is survived by sixteen grandchildren; Stanley Hornung and his wife, Jennifer, Arvada, CO; Devon Evans and her husband, Andrew, Golden, CO. Rhonda Lightle and her husband, Curt, Hallsville, TX; Lyle Austin and his wife, Beverly, Peachtree City, GA; Kris Hornung and his wife, Sandra, Miami, FL; Whitney Oestman and her husband, Brent, Flagler, CO; Deborah Ray and her husband, Brian, Zillah, WA; Kirk Hornung, Arvada, CO; Julie Maxwell and her husband, Greg, Parker, CO; Susan Murnan and her husband, John, Arvada, CO; Lane Hornung and his wife, Carolyn, Boulder, CO; Roger Austin and his wife, Kimberly, Denver, CO; Tara Garfield and her husband, Brett, Denver, CO; Kendra Molinary and her husband, Bobby, Denver, CO; Andrew and Patrick Hornung, Mission Hills, KS. Also, she is survived by thirty eight great grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Louise Hornung, Spearville, KS. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters; Marie, Cleona, and her brother, Melvin. She was also preceded in death by her grandson, John Hornung.