John "J.D." Horsch

John "J.D." Horsch, 72, died Thursday, December 21, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. J.D. grew up in a farming community and became a well-known, hard-working John Deere mechanic who worked for the family business for 17 years, Horsch Hardware/Andale Equipment. Then he ventured to aviation manufacturing at Boeing/Spirit where he was a maintenance welder for 23 years and retired. He was an avid hunter, “Mr. Fix-It”, and outdoors’ man who had a great love for wildlife and nature. Those who knew him best could find him talking about his “Ranch” where many fishing, camping, and hunting memories were made and where it was hard to get him off that tractor that he loved to ride so much. Colorado and Wyoming were his favorite vacation destinations to visit and explore “off the map” spots. Amongst his many adventures was his greatest in 2019 to Africa where he got to see, although never hunt, the largest living animals in their natural wild habitat and explore the culture and food delicacies just like the National Geographic Magazine he still received monthly after 40+ years. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and his spontaneous humor will be greatly missed. A graveside service will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 2:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Knights of Columbus Hall both in Andale. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernece Horsch; son, Michael Horsch; brothers, Bill Horsch, Dick Horsch, Damon Horsch; sisters, Karole Martin, Ruth Becker; several in-laws. Survived by his wife, Donna Horsch; daughter, Holly Brasser; grandchildren, Carly (Devin Marx) Brasser, Morgan Brasser, Ryan Brasser; brothers, Ted (Vickie) Horsch, Joe (Kim) Horsch; sister, Deb Ehret; sisters-in-laws, Judy Horsch (Bill), Brenda Horsch (Damon); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel.