Keith E. Horton

Obituary

Keith Eugene Horton was born on August 28, 1948, in Glencoe, Minnesota. He was the son of Warren and Elouise (Rettmann) Horton. Keith was baptized as an infant on October 17, 1948, by Rev. Alfred Streufert and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 20, 1962, by Rev. R. F. Meissner at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He received his education in Glencoe, Minnesota, with the Glencoe High School class of 1966.

In January of 1967, Keith was united in marriage to Jolene Feltmann. This union was blessed with two daughters, Kristin and Kelly. On April 8, 1983, Keith was united in marriage to Eileen (Grack) Martin. This union was blessed with three children: Melissa (Martin), Brandon, and Brianna. Keith and Eileen shared over 42 years of marriage.

Keith was employed as a GM mechanic at Harpel Bros. in Glencoe for many years and later worked at Kevin’s Auto in Glencoe. Some years later, he drove truck for Chard Excavating out of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, and worked for Ed Rettman as a heavy equipment operator. After retirement, Keith helped Ricky and Julie Rose with farm work. Keith was a life-long member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He was also a member of  Brownton Rod & Gun and Shady Lane Sportsmen’s Club for many years.

Keith enjoyed camping and fishing, which grew from a tent in the trunk of the Cadillac to the Country Coach motorhome, which he so enjoyed driving. He enjoyed relaxing and fishing up north at his family’s seasonal home in Bemidji, Minnesota, and spending time with family and friends. In Keith’s earlier years, he was very meticulous about cleaning the vehicles every weekend, and all knew that they were to be kept neat and tidy. He enjoyed 15 years of travel, mostly to the Caribbean and Mexico. He enjoyed driving his Can-Am spider and talked about cars he had and wished he had kept. Every year, Keith would look forward to blowing snow, but “shoveling snow” was not his thing! He also spent many hours inventing and building things, including ice fish houses and his special “golf cart/boat trailer.” 

Keith passed away after losing a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones in Glencoe, at the age of 77 years, 2 months, and 23 days. Blessed be his memory.

Keith is survived by his
Wife, Eileen Horton of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Kristin Schmidt (Jim) of Glencoe, MN,
                Kelly Exum (Chad) of Norwood-Young America, MN,
                Melissa Schlechter (Jamie) of Plato, MN,
                Brandon Horton of Plato, MN,
                Brianna Horton of St. Cloud, MN;
Grandchildren, Jenna Morris (Tyler), Justin Schmidt (Laura), Julia Fillbrandt (Matt), Jill Schmidt (Edgar Elias), Paige Schlechter, Tylor Schlechter, Dylan Schlechter, Madelyn Schlechter, William Horton, and Erin Horton;
Great-Grandchildren, Victoria, Carmen, Brody;
Sister, Deb Green of St. Cloud, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Sandy Grack of Glencoe, MN and Stacey Horton of Glencoe, MN;
Brother-in-law, Ron Grack (Cheri) of Glencoe, MN;
Father-in-law, Willard Grack of Glencoe, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Warren and Elouise Horton; Mother-in-law, Elaine Grack; and Siblings, Douglas Horton, Connie Wilson, and Rodney Horton.