Kimberly Ann Hornbeck, 51, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin passed away on January 5, 2026 after a sudden illness. Kim was dearly loved by her family and friends. She is survived by her parents, Phillip and Jean Hornbeck; her sister Debbie and brother-in-law Larry; niece Katie and nephews Brian and Nathan.
A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Kim graduated from Oconomowoc High School and received Bachelor of Arts degrees from UW Eau Claire in Education and UW Milwaukee in Educational Policy, then spent the majority of her adult life helping others. Through her time working at the YMCA, Rocketship Elementary School, and Olive You Nanny, Kim positively impacted the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of young children. She also worked at the Wisconsin Humane Society and volunteered at numerous non-profit organizations. If someone needed help, Kim was there.
Kim loved the outdoors and met some of her best friends while walking her beloved dog, Bob, who she shared with Adam Essling, her partner for most of the last 15 years. Daily walks along the Milwaukee River and to the Urban Ecology Center and Riverside Park, made Kim and Bob well known to many people. She also loved spending time with neighbors and friends, of which, there were many.
Kim's family and closest friends will lead a celebration of Kim's life in May at the Urban Ecology Center. Details will be provided at a later date.
Donations in memory of Kim can be made to the Urban Ecology Center
A lifelong Wisconsin resident, Kim graduated from Oconomowoc High School and received Bachelor of Arts degrees from UW Eau Claire in Education and UW Milwaukee in Educational Policy, then spent the majority of her adult life helping others. Through her time working at the YMCA, Rocketship Elementary School, and Olive You Nanny, Kim positively impacted the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of young children. She also worked at the Wisconsin Humane Society and volunteered at numerous non-profit organizations. If someone needed help, Kim was there.
Kim loved the outdoors and met some of her best friends while walking her beloved dog, Bob, who she shared with Adam Essling, her partner for most of the last 15 years. Daily walks along the Milwaukee River and to the Urban Ecology Center and Riverside Park, made Kim and Bob well known to many people. She also loved spending time with neighbors and friends, of which, there were many.
Kim's family and closest friends will lead a celebration of Kim's life in May at the Urban Ecology Center. Details will be provided at a later date.
Donations in memory of Kim can be made to the Urban Ecology Center
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kimberly Ann Hornbeck, please visit our flower store.
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