Full Obituary

     It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Gerald, known to his friends as "Whitey". He passed away March 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Throughout his life, he showed us what it meant to be resilient, hardworking, and devoted to his family.
     Born on December 27, 1932, on the family farm in the town of Longwood, Wisconsin, Whitey continued the family tradition by becoming a dairy farmer himself. He was recognized in Clark County and in Wisconsin for the quality of the Holsteins he raised. When the Army denied his voluntary enlistment for the third time (due to a heart defect), he continued his education, graduating from the University of Wisconsin's farming short course.
     At the age of 42, Whitey married the love of his life, Faith (known to friends as "Tudy") and became a stepfather of two children, Jim and Cindy Brinker. He embraced his new role with open arms and treated his stepchildren as if they were his own. Whitey and Tudy went on to have one child of their own, Angela. In addition to his own children, he hosted many children of his friends and family through the years, giving countless "city kids" a chance to experience farm life, making him a beloved figure in the lives of many.
     Whitey was a life-long member of the Immanuel United Church of Christ. In his free time, he enjoyed volunteering for the Holstein Association and Greenwood Cooperative and was actively involved in the Black River Bowmen. He played softball, horseshoes, and bowled for as long as his health would allow. His passion was hunting and fishing, and he was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.
     His life wasn't without its challenges. Whitey survived not just his heart defect, cancer, and a stroke, but three freak accidents which also could have taken his life. Yet, he always remained positive and optimistic. He had a strong faith in God that gave him the courage and strength to face any obstacle that came his way.
     Whitey's passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. We take solace in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with his loved ones who have passed before him.
     Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Anna (nee Myrin) Horn, sister Darlene (Wayland) Tessar, brother Duane (Marilyn) Horn, and daughter, Cindy Brinker. He is survived by his wife, Faith (nee Mork) Horn, son, Jim (Ruth) Brinker, daughter Angi Horn, and grandchildren Catherine Brinker, Madeline Brinker, Emma Brinker, Nicholas Nagel, and Silas Nagel.
     A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, Greenwood, WI, with burial following at Forest Hill Cemetery, followed by lunch back at the church.