It is with profound sadness and grief that we announce the passing of Jeff, our loving and devoted husband, brother, son, grandson, cousin and friend. He was taken from us far too soon on November 29, 2023, when his CV-22 Osprey aircraft tragically crashed off the coast of Yakushima Island, Japan.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Jessica Boozer; his parents, Tom and Cathy Hoernemann; his brother, Jared Hoernemann; grandparents, Ray and Ardelle Hoernemann; aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many, many friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his cousin, Brent Wibben; and grandparents, Leo and Arlene Sebring.

Born April 4, 1991, Jeff was a native of Andover, MN. He graduated from Andover High School in 2009, where he competed in Cross Country Running, Nordic Skiing, Swim Team, and distance running on the Track Team. He attended North Dakota State University, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He commissioned through the ROTC while attending NDSU and entered active duty March 1, 2015.

He completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. While there, he met Jess, who he always referred to as his best friend. They married July 3, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Forever two peas in a pod,  " sharing one soul", we referred to the two as Jeffica, as each made the other complete.

They soon moved to Florida, and Jeff went on to be a CV-22 pilot at the 8th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida.  His passion and competence in the aircraft culminated in acceptance and graduation from the Air Force Weapons Instructor Course. Prior to his assignment at Yokota Air Base, Jeff was assigned to the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.

Jeff deployed multiple times in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL.

While at Yokota, he served as a CV-22 Instructor Pilot and Chief of Weapons and Tactics assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing.

During his career, Jeff was recognized with Meritorious Service medal, Air Medal with "C" Device, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air and Space Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Jeff loved the Air Force. He loved to fly. It was truly his passion. But more than anything, he adored his wife, loved his family and friends unconditionally, and spoiled his pets like crazy. Jeff loved life. Always quick with a clever "dad joke"; smiling and ready with a hug; humble and compassionate beyond measure, every encounter with Jeff left you feeling better.

To the world, he was someone. To us, he was our world. We miss him and love him with all of our hearts.

An evening visitation will be held at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral home in Andover, on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

A funeral will be held the following day, on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church of Andover. The Funeral will begin at 11:00am, with a visitation one hour prior.

Maj. Hoernemann will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Livestream Information

The Funeral at Grace Lutheran Church will be Livestreamed for any guests who would like to attend, but are unable. The Livestream will be hosted on the Church's website: www.Grace-Andover.org

The livestream video will be turned on 5 minutes prior to the start of the service at 11AM. If you follow the link before that, the livestream video will not yet be available, and you will need to try again 5 minutes prior to the start of the service at 11AM.