William A. Horst

William “Bill” A. Horst, age 91, of Johnson Lake, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, with Pastor Steven Peeler officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Messiah Lutheran Facebook page. Visitation will take place Friday, February 13, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home. In honor of Bill, guests are encouraged to wear their favorite red attire. Interment with military honors will follow at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.giallfaiths.com. Bill was born on March 4, 1934, on the family farm outside Doniphan to William and Emma (Hamann) Horst. He attended the Doniphan country school and fondly recalled riding his horse to school each day. In 1947, the family moved to Grand Island, where Bill would build lifelong roots and friendships. A lifelong member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Bill was baptized, confirmed, and married there. His faith remained an important part of his life. In June of 1956, Bill was drafted into the United States Army, serving as a mechanic in Germany. He was honorably discharged in May of 1958. On October 5, 1962, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Ganow. The couple made their home in Grand Island, and following Bill’s father’s passing, they assumed ownership of Horst Insurance Company. Bill and Sharon successfully operated the business for 27 years before retiring and moving full-time to Johnson Lake, a place Bill truly loved. Bill was a member of the Platt-Deutsch, Liederkranz, and the Eagles Club. Known for his sense of humor and love of fun, he had a special gift for making people laugh—whether by wiggling his ears, telling a joke, or simply enjoying the moment. He lived life with joy and brought people together wherever he went. Bill especially enjoyed fishing and spending time at Johnson Lake with family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sharon Horst; sons, Dennis Horst of Grand Island and Dean (LaVay) Horst of North Platte; sister, Margie Thomssen; brothers-in-law, John and Kevin Hickey; sisters-in-law, Jackie Luth and Gay Geeson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Opal Steinbeck, Betty Vanosdal, Merle Horst, and Ellen Goerl; and brothers-in-law Don Ganow and Clyde Ganow and his wife Betty.

William A. Horst

March 4, 1934 - February 10, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

William A. Horst

March 4, 1934 - February 10, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support