1916 - 2008

Everett James Horner, 92, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008.

He was born June 7, 1916, to Howard A. and Mary Horner (nee: Jensen)of Racine, but lived 70 years in Waterford, Wis.On June 18, 1937, he was united in marriage to Majel Nelson. She preceded him in death on Oct. 31, 2002.On July 25, 2003, Everett was united in marriage to Rae Sypolt (nee: Green). After marriage they resided in Waterford.

Everett was a vibrant Christian leader in the Church of the Nazarene, helping start new churches and teaching Sunday classes for nearly 60 years. He also served on the board of trustees at Olivet Nazarene University and was involved in many committees and projects. Locally, he was a member of the Waterford Union High School Board and many other city and county boards.

As a co-founder of Horner Farms, Everett was widely respected as an innovative businessman. He flew his own airplane off the farm's airstrip and was able to diversify his vegetable and sod business into the Chicago markets. He partnered with the University of Wisconsin on several research projects. He pioneered the ethical housing and management of farm migrant workers and maintained close ties to their extended families in Texas, even visiting there personally at times. He was also involved at the state level with the preservation of wetlands and ethical management of trapping rights.He loved to hunt and fish and was dearly beloved by his friends and grandchildren as they went along on his many adventures.

Survivors include his wife, Rae Sypolt Horner; children, Carol (Clyde) Bryant of Madison, Thomas (Linda) Horner of Waterford, and Jeanne (Robert) Ransdell of Newburgh, Ind. He is further survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

Everett was preceded in death by his wife, Majel Nelson Horner;brothers, Kenneth and Elmer and his sister Miriam Wilfong.

Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. at Community Church of the Nazarene, 8440 Spring Street, Racine, with Reverend Rich Doering officiating. Burial will take place at Rochester Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Monday. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Sunday, Dec. 28, from 3 until 6 p.m. at the church.

Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory

625 Browns Lake Drive

Burlington, WI 53105

262-763-3434

danielsfamilyfuneral.com