Gerald William Horton, age 74, of Hudson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 2, 2011 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Gerald was born on September 12, 1937 to William Anthony and Maude Mae (Daniels) Horton in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  The third of six children, Gerald grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1956.  It was while attending high school that Gerald began dating Janice Truen.  The two became high school sweethearts and were married on June 22, 1957 at the Grace Bible Chapel in Grand Rapids. After high school, Gerald went on to the University of Minnesota where he majored in chemical engineering.  While in school he began work at 3M as a lab technician and upon graduation, Gerald began his 36 year engineering career with 3M.  In 1960, Gerald and Janice would find a home in Cottage Grove, Minnesota where they raised their children; Patricia, Michael, Robert, Nancy, and Melissa.  It was in 1993 that Gerald retired and he and Janice moved to Longville, Minnesota.  In 2005 the two moved to Hudson to be closer to their family.

Gerald had many hobbies and talents.  He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, golf, bird watching, and just spending time on and around the lake.  Whether for business or pleasure he enjoyed travelling.  With family he travelled and camped all over North America.  The family was also able to travel to England and Italy together.  With his work he was able to visit many countries in Europe and Asia as well.  Gerald was a great carpenter and craftsman and no matter what he did he would strive to do it the best.  He enjoyed relaxing with Sudoku, puzzles, and working on his family ancestry.  His favorite times were those spent with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his; wife of 54 years, Janice of Hudson; children, Patricia (Mike) Gould of Alexandria, MN, Michael (Mary Pat) Horton of Cottage Grove, MN, Robert (fiancée, Raquel) Horton of Shoreview, MN, Nancy (Dave) Peterson of Hudson, WI, Melissa (boyfriend, Steve) Horton of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Bradley, Jason, Kristina, Anthony, Matthew, Mollie, Megan, Tyler, Austin and Aspen; 11 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dwight (Dorothy) Horton of Grand Rapids, MN, Betty (Ray) Cheshire of St. Croix Falls, WI, Thomas (Donna) Horton of Rapid City, SD, Linda (Roger) Adams of Snohomish, WA and Theodore Horton of Grand Rapids, MN.  He is further survived by many other relatives and close friends. 

A funeral celebration for Gerald will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI at 1pm.  Burial will follow at the Willow River Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11am to the time of service all at the funeral home.  Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson Chapel.