Loren C Horton, 95, passed away March 18 at Meadowbrook in Chetek with Hospice. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 24, 1925 to B.J. and Verna (Vickery) Horton.

The family moved to Chetek in 1930. Loren withdrew from school when he was 14 and began working at Carlson Dairy delivering milk. At 16, he moved to Lake Geneva, WI and then to Chicago, IL at the age of 17. In August of 1943, Loren enlisted in the US Navy and celebrated his 18th birthday aboard the SS Antonin Dvorak, a Liberty Ship in the South Pacific. During his time in the Navy he was also aboard the SS Stephen Furdek where he served as an armed guard. In April 1946, he returned to Chetek where he started dating and soon married the love of his life, Darlene Stanford on August 21, 1946. In 1947, he went to work at Chetek Boats where he remained for a decade. He then went to work for Norm White as a carpenter for many years before venturing out on his own. Loren and his good friend, Keith Kwallek, built many homes in the Chetek area over the years. He was a very talented woodworker starting the Box Shop where he custom-made shooting boxes, recipe boxes and so much more. Loren enjoyed outdoor activities, hunting and fishing. He was an active member of a Snowmobile Club and various black powder groups, Old Northwest Co, Blue Hills Muzzleloaders and the Northwest Free Trappers where he would sell the many boxes he made at various Rendezvous throughout the Midwest. He remained active until 2009.

Loren is survived by his children Douglas (Kathy) Horton of Cumberland, Duane (Betty) Horton of Chetek, Joe Horton of Chetek, Linda (Lance) Bailkey of Rice Lake, Raymond (Lisa) Horton of Chetek, 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Luella Fawley and Virginia Bishop, and wife Darlene.

Military honors will be held at a later date.

Last Update: Mar 23, 2021 7:11 am CDT