Friday 29th March 2024

Horton Staeffler, 93, of Gladbrook, IA, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at Creekside Living in Grundy Center, IA.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2020, at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church in Gladbrook with Rev. Gideon Gallo officiating.  Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 8, 2020, at the Gladbrook United Methodist Church in Gladbrook.  Interment will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Gladbrook Chapel of Anderson Funeral Homes.  Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Horton was born June 2, 1926, one of 14 children, to Robert and Erene Staeffler.  He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant.  Horton was united in marriage to the love of his life, Milda Nath, on July 28, 1957, in Rock Rapids, IA.  They lived in Luverne, MN, until they moved to California in 1960.  After retiring in California, Horton and Millie moved to Gladbrook.  Horton was a milk man for Foremost Milk and a driver for Hamms Beer in Luverne, MN.  After moving to California, Horton worked for Kimberly-Clark AW Factory and retired as a carpenter, specializing in installing custom doors and thresholds.  Horton enjoyed working part time for the City of Gladbrook and also as a driver for Napa Auto.

Horton was active in the Elks, in Orange, CA, and the American Legion in Gladbrook, and enjoyed bartending at both.  Some of his favorite pastimes were dancing with Millie, coaching Little League baseball, playing cards with family, horseshoes, and bowling.  Horton “Who” enjoyed socializing and was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and big smile.  Most of all, Horton was a wonderful and loving husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, and uncle.  Horton enjoyed life!

Horton is survived by his stepdaughter, Sharon (Tom) Burke; daughters Cynthia Blaine and Barbara (Bill)  Basabilbaso; nine grandchildren:  Garth (Allie) Werner, Randy (Sheila) Lovin, Kristin Werner, Joseph (Maggie) Werner, Susan (Zach) Goldstein, Duane (Haley) Blaine, Laurel (Alaan) VanDerVeer, Christopher (Jennie) Basabilbaso, Nicholas (Kristina) Basabilbaso; great grandchildren: Noah Werner, Brityn Blaine, Hayes Blaine, Parker VanDerVeer, Oliver VanDerVeer, Oaklyn VanDerVeer, Alannah Basabilbaso, Tyler Basabilbaso; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Milda (Millie), his stepdaughter, Laurel Werner, his parents and siblings, as well as several well-loved nieces and nephews.

The family of Horton would like to thank Cedar Valley Hospice and Creekside Living and all their family and friends for their prayers, love, and support.