Dr. Ulfert Hornemann

Madison-In loving memory, Dr. Ulfert Hornemann, husband of Kathleen, father of Charles, David, and Peter Hornemann, all of Madison and Michael (Jennifer) Hornemann of Houston, and grandfather of Torsten Hornemann of Houston passed away December 16, 2010.  Ulfert was born in Dresden, Germany with twin sister Susanne to Karl and Hildegard (Schrader) Hornemann on April 22, 1939. He grew up in Hannover, Germany with his sister, brother Rainer, and cousins Jens, Jurgen and Karen Schrader.  After completing a Dr. rer. nat. in Organic/Biochemistry, Technical University, Munich, Germany in 1967, he continued his studies with a postdoctorate at Purdue University's School of Pharmacy.  The young scientist joined the Purdue faculty in 1969 and wed Kathleen Kelley in 1970.  In 1975, Ulf became a naturalized citizen of the United States and he remained grateful to the opportunities offered in his adopted country.   Moving to Madison in 1981 to be a full professor at the University of Wisconsin in the Pharmaceutical Biochemistry department, he began  a career dedicated to research in the areas of alkaloid and antibiotic biosynthesis, mode of action of antibiotics, enzymology and Streptomyces DNA amplification. Since 1994 his research has concentrated on RNA-related topics. He sought molecular modeling confirmation for his hypothesis on the evolution of a primordial genetic apparatus and for his theory on the mechanism of present-day protein biosynthesis.  Ulf was an avid bicycle commuter and in retirement enjoyed cycle tours throughout the US and in Europe.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Rainer. Memorials may be made to UW School of Pharmacy, UW opera program or UW Early Music Festival in care of UW Foundation, US Bank Lock Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278. 
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service