Thomas J. Horbinski

Thomas J. Horbinski, (Tom) beloved husband, loving father and proud grandfather was born to eternal life on September 7, 2023, at the age of 84.  His battle with cancer was brief, but he always showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Tom stayed strong until the end. 

He was born in Milwaukee in 1938, to Thaddaus and Joan Horbinski and grew up with two brothers.  In 1960 Tom married Ruth (Grochowski) and they went on to have two children.  

Tom joined the SM Fire Department as a firefighter April 04, 1967, and he loved being a first responder. In 1974 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in 1989 he was promoted to Captain. 

Tom loved his career with the department and was always very proud of his shift.  He retired from the SMFD January 3, 1994.  Tom always said that he loved his job, but it was a young man’s job, and he was happy to leave it to them.  

Tom was an avid reader of the newspaper every day, every page, and rarely was the crossword puzzle not completed.  His favorite television shows were Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, but on Saturday’s it was Lawerence Welk to listen to some of his favorite music.  

Spending time with his family was one of his greatest pleasures and gifts.  Brewers’ games with son and granddaughters and for many years the Texas State Fair with his daughter and grandson always brought him joy.  

Tom loved to go fishing and enjoyed catching too!  Part of every summer was spent up at the cottage on Clark Lake where he shared his love of fishing with his son and daughter as they grew up, and then he fished with his grandson Jacob, granddaughters Lian and Jessica, and though not as often, a few fish were caught with his great grandsons Drake and Dylan.  Tom also had memorable fishing trips to Canada, with his son Greg, and years later with his grandson Jacob.    Red snapper fishing in Florida while on a family vacation with Ruth, Greg, and Karen.  Deep Sea fishing off the Texas coast in the Gulf of Mexico, and stripper fishing at Lake Texoma with Jacob. Many trips, including some ice fishing, were to area lakes fishing with his granddaughters Lian and Jessica. There were many other fishing trips over the years with his family and friends.  

After retirement Tom decided to try his hand at golf where he met a group of great guys and golf became a big part of his retirement years. 

Many a ball was lost in the ruff, but fun was had golfing area courses and enjoying many a golf trip with his buddies. When his daughter would ask how his golf game was progressing, he would say “I’ll never make the pro’s but I’m putting closer”.

Travel was also something that Tom enjoyed and was able to do.  He and Ruth went on many trips. Some of his favorites were Alaska, Hawaii, Boston to Maine in the fall and Copper Canyon in Mexico.  In his later years travel by train was his favorite mode of transportation. 

Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years Ruth (Grochowski), his children Greg (Linda) Horbinski and Karen Cortez-Harris.  His grandchildren Lian (Ryan) Mleziva, Jessica (Harry) Kasprzyk and Jacob (Laura) Cortez.  Great-grandchildren Drake and Dylan Cortez.  Brothers Ronald Horbinski and Lawarence (Carol) Horbinski. Niece Jennifer (Chad) Dunning, and nephews Jeffery (Becki) Horbinski, Bradley (Christina) Grochowski and Brandon (Darci) Grochowski and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Please join the family on October 14, 2023, to celebrate a very special life at Sunset Options Funeral Home 904 E Rawson Ave., Oak Creek, WI.  

Visitation with family and friends begins at 10:00 a.m. with a short memorial service at 12 noon. 

Hors d’ oeuvres and refreshments will be served from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

The family asks only that you share any special memories you have in the digital guest book and if you can attend the memorial service, they would love to see you there. Should you desire to honor Tom with flowers or a donation to a charitable organization; Ignite the Spirit Milwaukee, Community Project for Seniors, Milwaukee Rescue Mission, or an organization of your choice would be appreciated.

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