Robert Ray Horner

Robert Ray (Red) Horner, 84, of West McDonald Lake, Dent, MN, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024, at home of heart failure, surrounded by family.  Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 10:00 on Saturday, May 11 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham. Private inurnment will be in Calvary Memorial Cemetery near Perham.

Son of Milford and Esther (Brekke) Horner, Bob was born December 10, 1939, and raised in Blabon, ND, one of eight children.   Bob was a 1957 graduate of Hope High School.  A hard worker all his life, Bob worked for local farmers as a youth.  At 17, Bob took a job that would become his lifelong career, retiring as an engineer with Northwestern Bell, later US West, Inc.  Bob served in the Army National Guard from 1962-1968.

A New Year’s Eve date led to a 58-year marriage to Sonja Trom, of Casselton, ND.  Sonja and Bob raised their children, Gregg, Ross, and Andrea, in Fargo.  Members of Calvary Lutheran in Perham, MN, Bob’s love of woodworking is shown in the many projects he and others completed for the church.

“Bob the Builder” built his dream home and shop in 1993 after retiring to West McDonald Lake.  He spent hours in his shop creating furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren and fixing just about anything one could imagine.  His fix-it touch was also felt in many homes around the lake when his expertise was needed.

An avid outdoorsman, he was a charter member of the Cass County Wildlife Club and shared many hunting trips with his children, grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.   For many years Bob was also part of bowling leagues in Fargo.  His stories entertained us all.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Sonja; his parents; and five siblings, Betty Siems, Lois Cole, Alice Tunseth, Milford (Sonny), and Jon (Buzz).   Surviving are children, Gregg (Kathleen) of Valley City, ND; Ross (Beth) of Bismarck, ND; and Andrea (Curt) Hatle of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Phoebe (Jordan) Hoerner, Bismarck, ND; Alexander, Omaha, NE; Iain, Fargo, ND; Chase Hatle, Dent, MN; Maren (Maxwell) Race, Pella, IA; Brock (Ashley Cotney), Bismarck, ND; great-grandchildren, Holden Leier, Stevie, and Robert Hoerner; brothers, Dennis (Peggy) of Grand Forks and David (Myrna) of Casa Grande, AZ; and sister-in-law, Ardys Horner of Detroit Lakes.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Calvary Lutheran Church or your favorite charity.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com