William Joseph Hornbach, 85, of Yorkville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Bill was born and raised in Yorkville, where he spent much of his life raising cattle and growing tobacco on his farm, all while working full-time at Monsanto for 32 years. Retirement didn’t slow him down much. He continued staying busy with various jobs, including working as a substitute mail carrier and at Martini Landscaping, where he especially enjoyed being outdoors. Bill’s love of the outdoors and strong work ethic stayed with him throughout his life. He took great pride in maintaining the Trojan youth softball and baseball fields, raking, dragging, and lining the fields before games, even in the final months of his life.
He fondly remembered coaching youth basketball and baseball alongside his friend, Andy Ahaus. A proud grandpa/papaw, Bill loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. When it was time to relax, he enjoyed watching his beloved Cincinnati Reds.
Fittingly, baseball brought Bill and Linda together. They first met at Marion College while both of their sons were playing baseball, and they married on June 3, 1989.
Bill was an exceptionally humble, kind, and hardworking man. He never sought attention or recognition, but was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed him. He believed in showing up for the people he loved, and he did so throughout his life.
Bill will be deeply missed by Linda, his wife of 37 years; children Theresa (Paul) Horstman, Tammy (Dave) Cunningham, Deron Hornbach, Doug (Dawn) Hornbach; stepchildren Justin Daugherty, Patrick (Lisa) Daugherty, and Linya (Chris) Rehmel; siblings Janet Hornbach and Bert (Dave) Helfer; sister-in-law Donna Gorby; grandchildren Jill (Justin) Kaercher, Tracy (Dan) Hartman, John (Hannah) Horstman, Kevin (Ashley) Cunningham, Kyle (Lauren) Cunningham, Sarah (Blake) Ashcraft, Alex (Therese) Hornbach, Luke (Madelyn) Hornbach, Matthew (Maddie) Hornbach, Emma Hornbach, Maggie Hornbach, Robert Daugherty, Olivia Daugherty, Ella Daugherty, William Daugherty, Isabelle Daugherty, Oliver Daugherty, and Jared Rehmel; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Ruth (Andres) Hornbach.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, his family is honoring his request for a private service. The family is deeply grateful for the many messages, phone calls, and expressions of sympathy.
Bill was a cherished member of his family and community, and his kindness and generosity will be remembered by generations of people whose lives he touched.
Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to a Celebration of Life luncheon on Wednesday, October 21, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Martin’s Hall of All Saints Parish in Yorkville. Memorials can be made for Masses or Loving Hearts Hospice. Memorials will be accepted at the luncheon or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.