Irene Alma Hornstein

Irene Alma Hornstein, 88, of Missoula passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015, at her home.

She was born on May 11, 1927, in Kirkwood, Missouri, to Maria and Gustav Lobeck and was the youngest of 5 children. Irene's sense of adventure, fearlessness and passion for life positively impacted everyone around her. As a child she earned the nickname "Little Big Noise", stole sugar from the pantry, taught the neighbor boy how to smoke and rode her tricycle two miles into town. She was athletic all her life - loved playing field hockey, roller skating, dancing and water aerobics at The Women's Club.

Irene married the love of her life, Charles Lee "Bud" Hornstein III, in 1947, shortly after he finished a year in the hospital healing from wounds received as a WWII combat rifleman in the Philippines. Their honeymoon was a trip to Mississippi on their Harley Davidson Police Special motorcycle. They stayed a year in Mississippi running a roller skating rink and became professional roller dance instructors. They returned to St. Louis to start their family, and a few years later moved with their two young sons to Missoula. Irene and Bud built their family home over one summer, driving every nail themselves while the two boys played in the empty basement. A few years later they had a long-anticipated daughter.

Irene and Bud stayed busy with the family business, teaching dancing and raising their three kids. Their weekends were filled with boating, fishing, camping, hiking, huckleberry picking, hunting, gathering firewood, crystal hunting, square and round dancing, snowmobiling, flying model airplanes and riding trail bikes through the mountains. They were active in the community, at their church and volunteered at The Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

Irene lived a long and happy life - filled with love, energy and a glint in her eye that brought a smile to everyone around her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Survivors include her sons, Charles Lee "Skip" (Sandy) Hornstein IV and James Carl (Cheryl) Hornstein of Missoula; daughter, Sharon Lynn (Don) Elkins of New York City; grandsons Charles Lee Hornstein V and Marine 1st Lieutenant Thomas Hornstein (Julie); granddaughters Karla Hornstein and Lisa (J.D.) Kunkel and 6 great grandchildren.

Following Irene's wishes a celebration service will be held in the Spring of 2016. Donations in her memory are suggested to the Missoula Food Bank, 219 S. 3rd St. W., Missoula, MT 59801; or Meals on Wheels, 337 Stephens Ave., Missoula, MT 59801.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com


Read Irene Hornstein's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.