A life well lived, a life full of love for her husband Jim and dogs (Oscar and Axel). Julie A. Hornung held God’s hand as she joined him on the walk home to Heaven on December 27th, 2017. Julie was born in Berlin, WI on December 28th, 1961 to Ervin and Alice Fay of Berlin, WI, one of eight children. Every morning she would call her mother and say “Rise & Shine”. “I just adore life”!!!! is how Julie felt despite the glass being half full at times.
Julie was an integral part of Hornung Well Drilling, her husband Jim’s business. She was the voice on the phone and ran the business from the administrative side. Julie worked at the DNR in Wausau when she met Jim and it was love at first sight. So it was only natural that she would become the key partner in her husband’s successful business.
Julie loved antique shopping and owned “Change of Season’s” gallery for years which brought her much joy. Christmas was her favorite holiday and their home was always decorated with many collectible and vintage Santa’s, ornaments and collectibles Christmas memorabilia.
Julie and Jim had a passion for dogs and always had two golden retrievers by their side. Julie supported the “Merrill Animal Shelter” and Humane Society and believed in finding home for lost and forgotten doggies.
Julie enjoyed so many things in life including traveling with her husband in their RV. Branson was one of her favorite places to go during the holidays to see the “Trail of Lights” display and the many Christmas themed shows as music of all types was something she really enjoyed. Julie did play the piano and this was another way to express herself through music.
Julie took up painting (oil and acrylics) and enjoyed creating nature scenes from trees to flowers to birds putting her own personal touch on each one. Julie’s passion for writing saw two books published and numerous others in the works, all for children to enjoy. Julie enjoyed playing games of many types – scrabble being her favorite and the challenge of a puzzle book kept her busy for hours.
Julie is survived by her husband: James A. Hornung, her parents Ervin and Alice Fay and in-laws James and Janice Hornung. Six siblings: brothers – James Fay (Carol Fay), Michael Fay (Angie Fay), Jeff Fay, John Fay (Diane Fay) and sisters – Mary Schuessler and Pat Wolfgram (Carl Wolfgram). Nieces: Stefanie Fay, Sarah Watts and Ali Watts. Nephews: Ben Wolfgram, Adam Wolfgram (Angela Wolfgram), Charles Wolfgram (Amie Wolfgram), Dominic Klima, Michael James Fay (Jr.) and Maxxwell Fay. Her pets: Golden Retriever’s Oscar and Axel, Sambo the cat and Shadow the African Grey Parrot. She is preceded in death by her sister Jeanne M. Fay.
Funeral services will be held at St. Frances Catholic Church, 1708 E. 10th St., Merrill, WI on Saturday, January 6th at 11:00am. Visitation of closed casket will be held at 10:00 until the time of service in the church. Cemetery services to follow and lunch and celebration of her life will begin at 1:00pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, per Julie’s request all donations or monetary gifts will be given to the “No-Kill” animal shelter in Merrill, WI or the Humane Society. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Rise and Shine – Enjoy the Day! ….Julie Hornung-