William J. Hornell

Bill Hornell was many things: smart, funny, competitive, quirky, humble, honest and a loyal friend. A keen observer of people and situations, he often picked up on subtleties others missed. Among his friends and golf buddies, he was known for his sense of humor and self-deprecating manner--a master of the fine art of playful banter. Bill loved talking sports with everyone, even "tutoring" his wife Deb on sports teams and mascots early in their marriage so she could be part of the conversation.

William J. Hornell, 64, died on November 2, 2019 from colon cancer. He was born in Jacksonville FL on July 21, 1955. His family relocated several times before settling in Elkhart Indiana, where he spent his high school years, graduating from Elkhart Central High School in 1973.

After receiving a degree in Finance from Indiana University in 1977, he spent four years as a banker in Louisville, before earning an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Bill and Deb then moved to Chicago, where he worked in Investment Banking, the last 31 years at Mesirow Financial, where he established the firm's mergers and acquisitions advisory practice in the paper, plastics and packaging sector. Because of his reputation for integrity and results, he was often referred to as "the Packaging King".

Bill is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 42 years, Debra Andresen Hornell; three children who called him Daddio and Pops: Laura (Phillip) Yudys, Lindsay (Corey) Dickson, and Matthew Hornell (Tara Donahue); two grandchildren who called him BaPa: William and Addison Yudys; his father Charles Hornell (Sharon Wright); his brother John Hornell (Mary Weaver); his sister Nancy (Timothy) Hoying; his aunt Sally Woodward; his uncle Gary (Carol) Matthews; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his mother Glorya Matthews Hornell and by his sister Susan Mary Hornell.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 CT at Faith Lutheran Church, 41 N. Park Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.

Bill was known for his generosity to charitable causes and for mentoring countless young professionals in his field. The family has established "The Bill Hornell Memorial Fund" to continue his legacy through contributions to healthcare and education organizations. In lieu of flowers, online contributions can be made to Bill Hornell Memorial Fund; contributions in check form can be made to The Chicago Community Foundation (noting The Bill Hornell Memorial Fund in the memo line), 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60601.