Age 91, of Sister Bay, WI, was called by the Lord on October 22, 2016. He married Virginia Zastrow on October 28, 1950.

Richard was the son of Walter and Helen (Orcholski) Horbinski. He grew up on Milwaukee’s south side as a member of the city’s thriving Polish Community. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Army and after training at Elkins College in West Virginia, achieved status as Flight Officer in the U.S. Army Air Force. Following his military stint, Richard went to work for Capital Airlines where he served proudly as a Ticket Manager. It was during that time that he met the love of his life, Virginia.

In the early 1950’s Richard embarked on a new career path that led to a storied future in the manufacturing sector. He invented and patented a depth finder and temperature measuring control used by lake fishermen and fisheries study personnel. He also held two additional patents. In the mid-1950’s he and a partner launched Thermo Products Company which was later sold to Allen Bradley Corporation.

Truly a man of many talents, in 1982 Richard retired from A-B and moved to Northern Door County and became a builder of homes. After building and remodeling several individual homes, he and Virginia purchased 100 acres in Sister Bay and developed a beautiful subdivision of single family dwellings.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia and four daughters: Sharon (Tom) Krueger of West Bend, WI; Debra (Greg) Hageman of New Holstein, WI; Catherine Yohnk of Mequon, WI; and Joan (Rick) Gordon of Fish Creek, WI. He is further survived by five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and a sister, Geraldine (Donald) Bukowski of Sheboygan, WI. Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers, Joe and Ray, a sister, Dorothy Kroeger, and a newborn daughter, Marilyn.

Richard led a rich and happy life and will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held October 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Lumen Christi Parish, 11300 N. St. James Lane, Mequon, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass. Donations to Feed and Clothe My People, 204 N. 14th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 in Richard’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

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