Joseph Russell Hornick was born in Barron, Wisconsin on May 14, 1939 the son of Joseph and Anna (Ziwisky) Hornick. He grew up on the family farm near Clayton, Wisconsin and graduated from Clayton High School in 1957. He attended River Falls College for a year before going back to farming. On May 27, 1961 he was united in marriage to Karen Ann Shields and together they had one son Russ. They farmed in rural Clayton until health issues called for a change. He worked as a Milk Hauler, Over the Road Trucker and as an Insurance Salesman. He then worked for Turtle Lake Township and drove service trucks until retiring. Joseph enjoyed cards, especially a good game of smear. He was a lifetime member of the Farmer's Union and was a longtime member of Silver Creek Lutheran Church where he served on council in several different positions. Over the years Joe endured many surgeries. He suffered a severe stroke and has been living at Barron Care and Rehab Center in Barron for the past 18 months. He passed away there on Monday evening, August 25, 2014 at the age of 75 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Left to mourn are his wife of 53 years Karen; son Russ (Amanda) Hornick; brother John A. Hornick; sister Mary Ann Berquam; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.


Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Silver Creek Lutheran Church in rural Clayton, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at the Williamson-White Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery at Silver Creek.