Robert Otto Horkey

Funeral services for Robert Otto Horkey, age 72, of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2010 at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church.  Father James Berning and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate.  Interment will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newry Township with Military Honors accorded by area veteran’s organizations.  Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 9th at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Robert died Sunday, December 5, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Robert Otto Horkey was born on July 4, 1938 to Otto and Helen (Butler) Horkey in Albert Lea.  He grew up in Blooming Prairie and attended Blooming Prairie Schools.  He served in the military for a brief time at Fort Leonard.  Robert was united in marriage to Donna Gruis on December 31, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Robert was employed at Wilson & Co., then, Farmstead until his retirement.  Robert was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and had been currently attending St. Theodore’s Catholic Church.  He was also a member of the Eagles Club.  Robert enjoyed racing, hunting, bowling smelt fishing, playing cards, going for rides and going to the casino.  He was also known for dressing up as Santa Claus and enjoyed spending time with family and friends visiting over coffee.

Survivors include his wife Donna Horkey of Albert Lea; daughters Bernadine (Bradley) Graves, Colleen Schreiber, both of Albert Lea and Shelleen (Robert) Harkner of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Jennifer Graves, Melissa Graves, Donald Graves, Nick Schreiber and special friend, Melissa Ackerman, Barbara (Jake) Payne and June (Jason) Dickey; 16 great-grandchildren; sister Joann Horkey of Owatonna; sisters-in-law Caroline Abrego and special friend, Donald Sorenson, Beverly (Leo) Argyros of Belle Plaine, IA and Mary Lou Lardo of Big Springs, TX.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Otto Horkey; mother Helen Young; and in-laws Ernest and Hessie Gruis.

Memorials preferred.