1922
Milton
2009
Milton Horgen
July 21, 1922 — January 11, 2009
Milton James Horgen was born to Albert and Gina (Livgard) Horgen on July 21, 1922, at home in Yellow Medicine County near Clarkfield, Minnesota. He grew up on farms near Boyd, Minnesota, where he attended grade school and later graduated from high school. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd, MN. He married Adair Phelps on May 31, 1950.
Milt owned a successful lawn sodding business in Boyd, MN, for several years. In 1952, he and his wife moved to Redlands, California, for warmer weather and a new adventure. He worked for the Southern California Gas Company for 28 years as a field planner, the person in charge of planning the layout of the natural gas services for new housing tracts. He retired in 1984 and pursued other hobbies, especially helping his son-in-law Steve in several building projects. Milt and Adair moved to Alamogordo, NM, in 1990, to Alexandria, MN in 1994, and to Morris in 1998. He enjoyed living in a house with a view of an orange orchard, a house on a golf course, a house on a Minnesota lake, and his home in Morris near his daughter and family.
Milt loved people and socializing with his many friends. An avid pinochle player, he was everyone’s first choice for partner because he made the game fun. He was interested in current events, gardening, cars, and cooking. He liked to ride his John Deere garden tractor. He especially loved being with his grandchildren who appreciated his love, support, and frequent teasing. He was a supportive dad and husband.
During his illness, Milt received excellent care from his devoted wife and daughter and from the service providers at Stevens Community Medical Center, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and Lakeland Hospice and Home Care. He died peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, January 11, 2009. He lived to the age of 86.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years: Adair; daughter Gwen and son-in-law Steve Rudney of Morris; three grandchildren: Paul Halacy, Cara (Jake) Grussing, and Philip Rudney; three sisters: Karen Horgen of Colorado Springs, Lois (Merlin) Laabs of Colorado Springs, and Donna (David) Legrid of Anoka, MN; sister-in-law Marian Phelps of Northfield, MN and several nieces and nephews. Milton was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, and an infant son.
Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service and Della Conroy serving as pianist, with Chuck Grussing, Sharon Martin, John Kleinwolterink and the Morris Kiwanis Quartet providing special music. Charles Glasrud will deliver a eulogy at the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN is in charge of the arrangements.
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