Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Nov 15, 1943 – Feb 17, 2023
Passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2023, at the age of 79. Preceded in death by his parents Elmer Henry Horstman and Rosella Marie Horstman nee Lieder, as well as his first wife Marty, and many beloved pets. Survived by his second wife Connie Jo, his children Missy (Jack) Jennaro, Matt Horstman, Andy (Diane) Horstman, and John (Emma Louise) Horstman. Also survived by his grandchildren Madison, Alex, and Ryan; his sisters Sandra Hamlet and Nancy Lieder; his current partner Sally Hunt and her children Michelle and Jesse. Further survived by his dearly loved dog Fig, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Bill enjoyed a lifelong career at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, starting as a graduate student and retiring as Assistant Dean Emeritus, where he made many dear friends and memories. Bill was also a writer and contributor to many speeches made by the chancellors. He had a great love for the outdoors and local sports teams, with a special focus on the Braves as a kid and the Brewers as an adult. His children continue to share the same love. After his career, he spent time focusing on some of his passions, including creative writing, stand-up comedy, and traveling. He was an avid reader, and a dog lover. Bill had a sweet tooth and could usually be found enjoying one of Missy’s chocolate chip cookies. He will be missed by all those he touched throughout his life.
Family will greet friends on Saturday March 11, 2023, from 12pm to 3pm at Feerick Funeral Home (2025 E. Capital Drive Shorewood, WI 53211). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bill’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
From Bill, I learned to have the courage and grace to express true interest in people during every interaction with them -- to greet them in a loving manner that clearly expresses how unique and deserving of respect each and every one of us is. Diane Pfister Drews
Diane Pfister Drews
September 26, 2023 | Work
This is an essay by Bill Horstman, re memories of his Father.
Fly Rod: Imagining my Father
This story begins with a book. Which led to a fly rod. I’d like to say it ends with a trout. But it’s November in Wisconsin and the trout have gone deep and still in their pools, and I’ve gone deep and still in my armchair. Not likely we’ll meet until spring.
The book is “Casting a Spell: the Bamboo Fly Rod and the American Pursuit of Perfection” by George Black. What...
Nancy Lieder
February 27, 2023 | North Freedom, WI
Bill could weave a tale in a magical way. As an example, his story Fly Rod written in 2006. It is In Memoriam for his father Elmer, and in his words “how the rod became a living touchstone between father and son. A secular “Death where is thy sting?” as told to the readers of Field & Stream. Elmer’s death by a massive heart attack touched Bill deeply, as he and I were young children present at the time, hearing our mother cry out “Elmer!” as he fell to the floor.
Bill and I both...
Nancy Lieder
February 27, 2023 | North Freedom, WI | Sister
Bill was a loving brother, father, grandfather, life partner, step-father, friend and neighbor. With a calm and quiet demeanor, Bill knew so many people and interesting tidbits about the world and life. Bill and I were avid travelers and explored places near and far together, sometimes with Friendship Force Chicago. Over our 21+ years together, we roamed through France, Italy, Peru, Jamaica, Cuba, China, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Once we flew to NYC just for the David Letterman show and...
Sally Riessen Hunt
February 26, 2023 | Evanston, IL | Family
