James J. Horn

James J. Horn, 91, of Rochester, Minn., died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, at the Charter House, Mayo Clinic Retirement Community in Rochester, Minn.

James was born April 22, 1929, in Port Washington, Wis., to Earl and Evelyn (Wetzel) Horn.

He graduated from Port Washington High School in 1947 and attended Marquette University on an athletic scholarship in track. He later attended the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, following in his family’s footsteps as a fourth-generation mortician in 1951.

He married Dyanne Troyanek in 1952 and they had one child Nancy, who they lost to cancer at 54 years of age.

James and Dyanne moved to La Crosse, Wis., and he was employed by Sletten McKee Funeral Home. He became owner of the mortuary and later sold the business.

He then entered the security business with Smith Barney in 1968. James became branch manager, and in 1983 he was transferred to the Scottsdale, Ariz., office. He and his wife lived in Scottsdale until they moved to the Charter House in Rochester, Minn., in 2014.

James was very active in sailing, biking, cross country skiing and photography. He was also involved in many clubs and organizations. Jim and his wife traveled on many photography trips to Africa, Russia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Scotland, Italy and most of the national parks.

He is survived by his wife Dyanne; niece Sue Horn Caskey of Portland, Ore.; nephew Jon Horn of Phoenix, Ariz.; and son-in-law Rick Michael of Salinas, Calif.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy; parents Earl and Evelyn Horn; and brother Earl.

According to his wishes, a private service will be held.

Entombment will be in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, La Crosse, Wis.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.