Douglas Gilbert Horecka

Doug (Douglas) Gilbert Horecka, 73, passed away peacefully at home in his favorite chair on February 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 29, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Nine Mile Brewing in Bloomington, Minnesota. Doug is survived by his children, Katie Horecka and Shanan Seeler (Ryder); his grandchild, River; his sister, Becky Smallfoot (Alan); his brother, Bob Horecka (Julie); his brother-in-law, Bill Quintus (husband of his late sister, Donna); many nieces and nephews-Rob (Karen), Sarah, Ryan, Tyra, Jett, Michelle (Jeff), and Tom (Shelia); his former wife of 25 years, Kim Horecka; and a wide circle of friends who were more like family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Horecka; his mother, Veronica (Rayhons) Horecka; and his sister, Donna Quintus. Born in Forest City, Iowa, to Gilbert and Veronica Horecka, Doug grew up in Garner, Iowa, and later Rosemount, Minnesota, where he built the foundation of the easygoing, hardworking, fun-loving man so many came to know and love. He was especially proud of being part of the Rosemount High School Class of 1971 Minnesota State Basketball Championship team. As a shooting guard, Doug was quick, a great ball handler, and known for making long-range shots. Doug attended Mankato State University, where he met his former wife and the mother of his two children. He studied Parks and Recreation and was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. Throughout his career, Doug worked at Ziegler, Koch Refining, and Delta/Northwest Airlines. He was well known as the "Dock Lord" at Northwest Airlines-a job that allowed him to travel the world and collect
stories almost as easily as he collected friends. He especially loved retiring from the airlines, Doug "un-retired" to manage inventory and oversee shipping and receiving at Durag, retired again, and later worked at Inspectron Inc. as a building inspector-because slowing down was never really his thing.

Doug was a devoted father and grandfather, known for his easygoing demeanor with a great sense of humor. He always had a thoughtful or witty remark ready to lighten the mood. He greatly enjoyed spending time with friends and family, particularly attending car shows, fishing, going to concerts, and listening to music-especially John Prine. Doug was generous with both his time and his talents; his door was always open, and he was often the first to offer help. Whether it was providing a ride to the airport, making minor car repairs, mowing a lawn, clearing snow, or rebuilding a deck or dock, his willingness to lend a hand truly knew no bounds.

He especially cherished time with his family, most notably his "little buddy," River. Grampy Doug always had treats ready, scratch-off lottery tickets to play, and attended nearly every one of River's baseball games-even shortly after open-heart surgery. He was, without question, River's biggest fan. In true Doug fashion, he would remind us, "Don't sweat the small stuff… and it's all small stuff." He encouraged everyone to have fun, laugh a little, and enjoy life.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at Nine Mile Brewing (9555 James Ave S, Unit 290, Bloomington, MN 55431) on Sunday, March 29, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., where stories will be shared, laughter will be plentiful, and Doug will absolutely be felt. Ultimately, Doug lived life to the fullest and reminded all of us to do the same.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Doug's honor may be made to his daughters, Katie Horecka and
Shanan Seeler, to assist with funeral arrangements and related expenses.