Paul Hornung
Paul A. Hornung, age 64, of Edgar, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
He was born on January 3,1961, in Wausau, the son of Jacob and Virginia (Goldbach) Hornung. Paul grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work and a strong sense of family at an early age. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and graduated from Edgar High School. Paul dedicated many years working as a material handler at Edgar Building Supply; yet the work that defined him, and for which he will always be remembered, was farming. Paul set aside his own plans and became a farmer to work alongside his dad on the family farm. Farming became Paul’s true passion and identity: his days were long, his hands were calloused, there was always something that needed fixing, and there was nothing Paul couldn’t fix.
On August 3,1997, Paul married Louise Lensmire, finding a love that was real and written in the stars. Their marriage and life together was built on a solid foundation, much like the careful craftsmanship Paul brought to his woodworking and building—strong, steady, and made to last. Louise was not only his wife but also his best friend, a closeness Paul often expressed with a smile, saying to her, “You are my best friend.”
Paul consistently put the needs of others before his own. A lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, he also served his community for 26 years as a dedicated member of the Edgar Fire Department, most recently as chief engineer. Paul’s love for community shone in everything he did, from his earlier years in FFA to maintaining the church grounds as a groundskeeper and serving on its financial committee. More than his official roles, Paul’s selfless, endless service and generous heart touched anyone and everyone who knew him. Many family members and friends can look around their homes and see the work of his hands: a playhouse built, a door fixed, countless improvements, small or large, that left things better than he found them. He had a knack for knowing what needed to be done and would quietly take care of it for others, always giving without ever expecting recognition.
The one place Paul could set aside his volunteer work and devotion to family was for his Harley where he, his wife, family and friends could experience the open road, enjoy time together, and embark on exciting adventures. Paul also enjoyed making maple syrup, fishing and hunting, not necessarily for the sport, but for the memories created alongside his children and grandchildren. Paul’s greatest pride and joy were his children and his grandchildren. He lived to see their smiles, cherished the moments when they were all together, and found deep happiness in the connectedness of family. Paul built a special bond with each of his five grandchildren. To them, he was “Bumpa,” always making them laugh, enjoying sweet treats and ice cream together, and giving his love in the pure, meaningful ways that only he could. His love was constant, generous, and unconditional; there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. He was an incredibly proud father and Bumpa. Paul’s greatest gift was not something tangible, but the essence of who he was. Something that you could not necessarily see, but you could so profoundly feel. He gave his heart and his life as a labor of love. It is our honor, as family and friends, to carry this forward now and, as he would want us to remember, to always stay humble and kind.
Paul will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Louise; their blended family of four children: Bradley (Jody) Hornung of Edgar and their children, Ava, Camden and Beauden; David (Gina) Hornung of Stevens Point; Bradley (Christina) Zank of Marshfield and their daughter, Amanda; and Amber Haluska of Edgar and her children, Tucker and Paityn. He is further survived by one brother, Charles (Cathy) Hornung of Fond du Lac; and four sisters: Sandra (John) Jacques of Green Bay, Barbara (Daniel) Parlier of Marathon, Donna Schlais of Marathon and Jane (Sam) Hilgemann of De Pere.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Virginia Hornung; his brother-in-law, Marv Schlais; and his goddaughter, Allison Hilgemann Ninabuck.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edgar, with Rev. Alan Wierzba presiding. Following the Mass, Paul will be laid to rest in the parish cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation at the church on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, with fire department personnel conducting a Final Honor ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. With honor, the role of pallbearers will be carried by: Bradley Hornung, Bradley Zank, David Hornung, Amber Haluska, Charles Hornung, Sam Hilgemann, Dave Wagener and Lucas Werner.
His honorary pallbearers will be: Camden Hornung, Beauden Hornung and Tucker Haluska.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to his family, who plan to give back to the community in Paul’s honor.
Care of Paul and his family have been entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Family and friends are welcome to visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share memories and extend condolences.
Paid obituary 178722
