William Hornbeck

Bill was born in Highland Park, Michigan, on August 4, 1923 to Warren and Agnes Hornbeck. He was one of two children. Bill met his future wife, Delores (“Dee”) Dahlman, while attending Highland Park High school. Bill later entered the Navy’s V-12 program, getting his degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. During World War II, he served in the Pacific as an ensign in the engine room of the USS Block Island. Returning from the war, he married Dee on September 7, 1946. With the help of friends and family, he and Dee built their first home with their own hands.

Possessed of a keen intellect, Bill eventually became an expert in the production of chemical fertilizer for the Agrico Chemical Company. Bill’s career would take his wife and three children to live around the United States: New Jersey, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and eventually, Florida. After retiring, Bill and Dee moved to their condominium on Long Boat Key before moving to Boca Raton, Florida to be near their children.

William is survived by his three children: his daughter Susan Veshosky of Ocoee, Florida and her husband Geri; his son, Ralph Hornbeck, of Boca Raton, Florida and his wife Dee; his daughter, Janice Haley of Delray Beach, Florida and her husband Steve. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Hornbeck of Holland, Michigan. Bill had six grandchildren: Angela Green, Amy Veshosky, Sara Haley, Cristi Haley, William Hornbeck, and Rachael Hornbeck.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5th, 2014 at 3pm at Stratford Court, 6343 Via de Sonrisa del Sur, Boca Raton, FL. He will be buried in South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, FL.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer-Becker Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Deerfield Beach, FL.