Michael Thomas Horner

Michael Thomas Horner “Mike” spent 71 years living life to his own rhythm.

Born November 19, 1954, in Chicago and raised in Des Plaines, Mike made Elk Grove Village his home for 37 years. He and his wife, Karen, shared 43 years of marriage and built a life centered around what mattered most to him: family.

Mike spent nearly 40 years working for the United States Postal Service. Mike was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 2076-Des Plaines, before becoming a Supervisor. For the past several years, Mike volunteered his time to assist with the Des Plaines Letter Carrier Food Drive.

He was a dedicated worker, but even more dedicated to his family. They could always depend on him. Whenever they called, he was there. He worked hard to give them a comfortable life and supported them in everything they did.

Music was one of Mike’s greatest passions. A talented guitar player, he played for many years with the choir at Queen of the Rosary Church and also spent time in a Christian band. He loved all kinds of music, especially rock and roll, The Beatles and the Eagles. He attended countless concerts throughout his life and loved the saying, “I may be old, but I got to see all the cool bands.” He passed that same love and appreciation for good music on to his children.

Mike lived life to the beat of his own drum. He wasn’t afraid to go against the grain, be different, or simply be himself. In his younger years, he enjoyed hiking and exploring nature with Karen. Later in life, he rode his Harley to scenic places, camera in tow, where he pursued his love of nature photography. He also loved working in the beautiful garden he shared with Karen and spending time with his adopted dogs, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Above all, Mike was most proud of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his children, Stephanie (Mick) Pavlik, Matthew Horner, Kallie (Michael) Salerno and Cody (Abigail) Horner; his grandchildren, Tobias Horner, Aidan Pavlik, Emma Pavlik, Makayla Horner, Dominic Horner and Alexander Salerno; and his siblings, Allen Horner, Natalie Salsgiver and Carol Mammoser. Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Horner Jr., his parents, Thomas Alphonso Horner and Hazel Bernice (Harker) Horner, and the many dogs he and his family shared over the years.

His family will remember the music, the guitar, the garden, the Harley and so many other pieces of the life he loved. But most of all, they will remember that when they needed him, he was always there.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:

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 The Cancer Research Institute

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