Was welcomed into the Loving Arms of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, on June 6th, 2022 at the age of 92. Bill peacefully entered into Eternal Rest, surrounded by his loving family, in the comfort of his apartment in Grafton, WI. Bill was born on December 28, 1929 in Milwaukee, WI, as the eldest of three children to Louis and Viola Hornickel. After graduating from Bayview High School in Milwaukee at the age of 18, Bill met the "love if his life", Dolores "Curly" Hetzel! After being united in Marriage on December 30th, 1950...Bill and Curly traveled to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Bill fulfilled a two-year tour of duty with the United States Army! Upon their return to Milwaukee early in 1953, Bill began work as a "Pressman" for the Milwaukee Journal, from where he retired in 1988 following a fulfilling and rewarding 35 year career! During the summers of his working career...and later, throughout every summer of his blessed 34 years in retirement, Bill absolutely delighted in "spending every waking moment" (...and every sleeping moment too!!!) with his beloved wife Curly at his Long Lake Cottage in Dundee, WI!! Bass and Walleye Fishing, Sailing, Pontoon Boat Cruises, Water-skiing, Bean Bag Games, and Cook-outs on the Grill...ALL shared with family members and good friends...these were the "Simple Pleasures" that Bill savored and relished most at his cherished "Slice of Heaven" on this earth!!! Throughout his life, Bill was an "accomplished and enthusiastic Accordionist" who loved to perform for small gatherings and for his family members and friends! He was an Expert Sheepshead Card Player, who was known to quite often "pick the Blind" with very little in his Hand, only to still end up winning! Bill was a man who appreciated and favored a "will-made and reasonably-priced Whiskey Manhattan/Brandy Old-Fashioned, a tasty Medium-Rare Steak, and a "Piping Hot" Baked Potato!!! Bill, above all, was...and will be fondly remembered as, as "Eternal Optimist and Fun-Loving" Man...a Man who Cherished, Treasured, and was Forever Fiercely Proud of and Delighted With His Entire Beloved Family!!! Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores "Curly" (nee Hetzel) and his daughter, Jean Marie Valentino. Bill is survived in legacy by his son, Jeff Hornickel; and daughters Judith (Gerald) Vogler, Jackie (Duane) Kalvoda, Joy Czerwinski, and Jill (Daniel) Hennessey...Proud Grandfather of Justin, Scott, Bradley, Maggie, Julie, Josie, Elora, Tim, and Jamie...Great-Grandfather of Brynn, Bear, Iyla, and Emelia! Brother of Janice Pierre of Washington State and Bruce (Beverly) Hornickel of Huntley, IL. Further survived by a Host of Loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, and wonderful friends, including many Recent Dear Friends made at the Village Pointe Commons Senior Residence in Grafton, WI where Bill resided over the past four years! Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home, Bay View Chapel, will be assisting the Family with Private Funeral Arrangements and Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Bill's family will host a "Celebration of Life" Memorial Service commemorating him on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Village Pointe Commons Community Room located at 101 Walnut Circle, Grafton, WI 53042. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Loving Memory of Bill can be made to the "LONG LAKE PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION." Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes Bay View Chapel 414-483-2322