Both Robert (Bob) and Michal (Mike) Hornby grew up on farms. Mike was born in Iowa but moved to Wisconsin as a child, where she lived on a 240-acre farm. There was a river and a creek running through it, and that’s where she began developing an interest in conservation. Bob was born and raised in Wisconsin. For the Hornbys, volunteering is their passion and a way of life.
Regional Director Tom Munich describes the Hornbys as great DU volunteers. “From the state level to local events, they are always willing to lend a hand where needed. Both Bob and Mike pitch in and help at local events all across the region. They truly make a difference for the ducks.” Bob serves as Wisconsin state treasurer and will begin a term as Wisconsin state chair in January 2025.
In addition to giving their time, treasure, and talent in support of many DU chapters since 1997, the Hornbys have chosen to lead a legacy and make a planned gift through their will by becoming Gold Feather Society members. “The Hornbys’ Feather Society pledge caps off their 27-year commitment to DU. Their generosity will ensure their DU legacy will continue for generations to come,” said Sarah McCallum, senior director of gift planning.
The Hornbys met while pledging the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity (a fraternity based on leadership, friendship, and service principles) at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where Bob studied mechanical engineering. After high school, Mike thought she would enlist in the military but her father discouraged her from doing so. Instead, her father applied for educational grants so that Mike could attend school. After two years, Mike decided that college was not for her and opted to be a stay-at-home mother for her growing family. She made home-cooked meals from scratch and still has a pancake recipe in her head.
Bob was a senior application sales engineer at Spacesaver. He traveled quite a bit when their four daughters were young, but he was always available for family and for Ducks Unlimited.
Mike says DU was a natural fit for them because they both believe in conserving the land. “If you go somewhere, you try to leave it better than you found it,” Mike says. “You help others, and you help the land.” That philosophy has guided the Hornbys and their daughters through life and served them well.
In addition to being a DU volunteer for more than 27 years, including two years as state trustee and national delegate, Bob has volunteered as scoutmaster with Boy Scouts of America for 56 years. During that time, 51 boys and one girl earned their Eagle Scout under his direction. The Hornbys traveled to scouting events all over the United States.
The Hornbys’ other interests include hunting, camping, fishing, teaching, genealogy, and, of course, environmental preservation. Their goal was to raise happy, healthy kids into happy, healthy, productive adults. Now, all four of their children are contributing to society in numerous ways.
Mike sums it up best when she says, “You never know—what you do today could help someone tomorrow.” Ducks Unlimited is grateful to the Hornby family for their steadfast and loyal commitment to volunteerism and conservation. Their continued passion for conservation and generosity will truly make a difference on the landscape for future generations.
