William “Bill” Horsch, died unexpectedly on Friday, April 5^th while cutting a tree down in the woods of the Horsch family homestead, just a few miles west of Delano.

Bill was born on September 10, 1940, and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Delano High School in 1958 and attended the University of Minnesota for a brief time before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served for three years in the Signal Corps.

He met his lovely wife Geri in 1965 at the Blue Note Ballroom in Winsted, MN and they were married on August 12^th, 1967. They built their home in 1973 on the family homestead, where they raised their four children: Theresa “Teri” (Mark Johnson), Denise (Mark Otto), Kurt and Cory (Melissa).

Bill served on the Wright County Deputy Reserves for 13 years and was a long-time member of the Delano Sportsman’s Club, where he was involved in many of their activities: trapshooting, the annual chicken BBQ, the 4^th of July bingo stand and various fishing events for local youth. He loved woodworking, fishing, gardening, making maple syrup and just spending time outdoors.

He and his wife Geri have been active members at St. Mary’s of Czestochowa for over 30 years. Again, organizing and volunteering for many of their events, including waffle breakfasts to support the seminarians and Pro-Life organizations and their annual church festival.

Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was an endearing friend and neighbor, who was part of the Delano community for his entire life. A genuine soul who could strike up a conversation with anyone and was always willing to help with any task that needed to be done. He was a wonderful role-model for so many people and will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by his parents Lauren and Dorothy (Dunn) Horsch and sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Nicholas. Bill is survived by his wife, Geri, of 56 years, their four children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two siblings; Kathy (John Gow), Phillip (Betty) Horsch and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a 4 PM rosary service on Friday, April 12^th, 2024 at Iten Funeral Home in Delano, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 13^th, 2024 at St. Mary’s of Czestochowa Catholic Church with additional visitation from 9:00 to 10:30 AM prior to the funeral. Interment with military honors immediately followed in St. Mary’s of Waverly cemetery and lunch was served at the Montrose Community Center in Montrose, MN following the committal service.