William J. Hornell

William J. Hornell obituary, Chicago, IL

William J. Hornell

William Hornell Obituary

Published by Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. Funeral Service Center - Chicago on Nov. 2, 2019.
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.

Sign William Hornell's Guest Book

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May 13, 2021

Joyce Hill posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2020

Pam Daly posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2020

Deb, thanks so much for keeping us on your Christmas list after all these y posted to the memorial.

17 Entries

Joyce Hill

May 13, 2021

Bill was one of the kindest and most insightful individuals in the Investment Banking community. He genuinely cared about others and he will be missed.
j.

Pam Daly

January 3, 2020

Deb, what a beautiful tribute to Bill and the life you all shared. He has left a legacy through your family and a life well lived that will continue for decades to come. I am so sorry for your loss and you and the family are in my prayers through these very challenging days. May God's mercy and comfort keep you in perfect peace each day.

Deb, thanks so much for keeping us on your Christmas list after all these y

January 3, 2020

Sorry to be so late in posting. Only learned of Bills passing upon receipt of Debs annual Christmas letter and family photo. I am still in shock in tears. I first met Bill when I went to interview him for a position at the bank in Louisville. It only took a few minutes to realize that this guy was a star. He was smart and mature for his age with an infectious personality. We were so fortunate that he excepted the job, and the next four years working with him side-by-side were The greatest. After hours, with our wives, Deb and Linda, were also great fun, and Craig Lutton was always there to join in as well. Deb, thanks so much for keeping us on your Christmas list after all these years. Linda and I are thinking of you and the family in this most difficult time. Love, Louis and Linda Edmondson.

Coleen Cecil

December 6, 2019

What a lovely tribute to Bill. And what an amazing life you had together. My heart is with you. Sorry that I never got to meet Bill, but he was always a topic in our virtual teas and F2F gatherings.
I wish I could be there to give you a big hug, let you cry, and then make you laugh. I can just see the pride in you as you update me on the kids and grandkids. So happy that you have your village with you to lift you, comfort you and celebrate the life you had with Bill.
You all remain in my prayers.

Sally Woodward

December 5, 2019

My only regret of nephew Bill is I never saw enough of him. He was a delight to be around , lots of laughs ,but alas I was in Fl and Bill in Chicago,always working..I'll miss him very much.. ... your loving aunt

Bob Roberts

December 1, 2019

When I was at the Chicago Tribune I hired a professional young lady by the name of Deb Hornell. Through Deb I had the opportunity to meet her loving spouse, Bill, on a few occasions.
I am saddened by the news of Bills passing. Deb is a special and rare individual and so was Bill.
My, as well as our families thoughts and prayers will remain with you, Deb and the entire family. May the Lord bless and comfort everyone with peace knowing Bill has returned to the God who gave him life.
Bob Roberts

The Lancasters

November 30, 2019

Deb, we are so sorry for your familys loss, we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers.

Craig Lutton

November 28, 2019

Our sympathies to Bill's family. He was a great guy and a great friend. Miss him every day.

Linda Malone

November 28, 2019

I am saddened to hear about Bill....
Thoughts and prayers are with you!!!

Steven Witmer

November 28, 2019

My deepest sympathy to the Hornell Family. I remember William as a very high energy young man with quite the love of sports.

Donna Coulson

November 27, 2019

In memory of Bill Hornell.

Hohn and virginia Larsen

November 27, 2019

It wont be the same in our neighborhood without Bill taking off and returning from his daily run. He was a welcome fixture of our daily lives.

Don & Judy Shutters

November 27, 2019

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. Bill will be missed by many and we send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Jane Melvin

November 27, 2019

Holding all of you in our prayers. The strength of your family and your love for each other through thick and thin is a a thing to behold. Wishing you the peace that will come with time to soften the hurt and magnify the happy memories.

Leslie Delany

November 27, 2019

My deepest sympathy to all. Bill enriched my life in the simplest ways. A good friend and great man.

Arlene Olsen ( Simonetti)

November 26, 2019

So shocked and saddened by this. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Steve Simonetti

November 26, 2019

Thoughts and prayers are with the Hornell family and all that knew and were close to Bill. It has been many decades since we had any contact but I always admired BillOne of the good guys, one of the best.

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Sign William Hornell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 13, 2021

Joyce Hill posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2020

Pam Daly posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2020

Deb, thanks so much for keeping us on your Christmas list after all these y posted to the memorial.