– Neil Horn: A Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Cowboy, Marine, Law Enforcement Officer.
Neil Joshua Horn was born on November 26, 1977 in Thief River Falls, to Terry and Sheila Horn. He grew up on the Horn farm outside of Gonvick, and graduated from Clearbrook-Gonvick High School in 1996. In his youth he loved to swim, fish, hunt, ride horses, play sports, and spend time with family and friends. He loved visiting at Grandma and Grandpa Horn’s house, where he enjoyed catching minnows, sharing cookies and lefse with Grandma, and taking many-a-nap on their couch.
Neil worked hard on the farm and especially enjoyed his time with the animals. He won numerous State Fair trips showing dairy cattle in 4-H. Besides farm work, Neil’s summers included lifeguarding at the Bagley Lake. As a teenager, Neil’s Thunderbird was famous around town and his cowboy style preceded him.
At a young age, Neil showed a deep interest in the military; playing with army men and often reading books depicting historical events and battles. After high school graduation, he joined the Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for 8 years. It was early in his career with the Marines that he got to ride saddle-bronc for their rodeo team. Neil spent most of his Marine career traveling the world as a Marine Security Guard to defend the US Embassies where he was stationed. In 2002, Neil served in anti-terrorism capacities in North Africa, and part of his job was to train Marines in door-to-door combat and enhanced marksmanship. He was also an instructor for combat water survival.
While stationed at the Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, Neil met the love of his life, Jessica Simmons. They were married on July 3, 2003. Neil and Jessica proceeded to build a family together while moving around the world wherever his career took them. Neil became a special agent with Diplomatic Security for the Department of State on June 8, 2008. His position brought the family to live in Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Cuba, Colombia, and Minnesota.
During his 14 years working in Diplomatic Security for the State Department Neil engaged in a wide array of investigations including human trafficking, terrorism, counterintelligence, the location and return of US fugitives, large scale visa fraud, and passport/identity fraud. As part of his Diplomatic Security position, Neil ensured the security detail for many dignitaries and leaders from around the globe. In June of 2022, Neil was honored to be selected for a position as a criminal investigator for the Department of Homeland Security, Tampa office.
Neil was presented countless awards for valor, accomplishments, and sharp skillful abilities. These awards were accepted with honor, grace and a humble pride. Neil’s most cherished accolades were his four beautiful daughters Alexis Cali, Lindsey Clara, Grace Camryn, and Chloe Rey.
Along with spending time with his family, Neil enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing guitar, and coming up with great mead and beer brews. He loved putting puzzles together and figuring out challenges. A firm foundation in Christ served as a moral compass throughout his life. Neil was a reader, a thinker, a solver, and had a captivating way with words whether writing or speaking. He could start by speaking to only one person, but before he was done he would hold an entire room’s attention with the stories he told about his experiences. One meeting with Neil and you never forgot him. Neil was humble, yet larger than life.
Neil passed away on February 3, 2023 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the age of 45.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica; daughters, Alexis (16), Lindsey (15), Grace (12) and Chloe (9); grandmothers, Arlene Horn and Shirley Vettleson; parents, Terry and Sheila Horn; sisters, Jean Horn, Jodi (David) Fedje, Jackie (Logan) Kalinowski; and brother, Nathan (Tricia) Horn; nephews, Everett, Tallon, Ayden, Joseph, Theodore, and Carter; nieces, Elizabeth, Kennedi, Rosalyn, and Maddisyn; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Neil is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Francis Horn and Walter Vettleson; uncles, Chad Behrens and Kevin Vettleson; and cousin, Heather Behrens.
Neil once wrote that the factors that defined him as a person were his intense loyalty to God, his country, and his family. It was his hope that he would continue to serve those things that he loved so much until the day, (in the words of our 40th President) that he “slipped the surly bonds of earth, to touch the face of God.” And, that is what he did. May his memory be blessed.
A visitation will be at the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday evening February 23, 2023 with a Prayer Service starting at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Clearbrook Community Center on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11 a.m. with a visitation an hour prior. Interment will be held at United Lutheran Cemetery, Berner immediately following service. A lunch will be served at Clearwaters Life Center in Gonvick following service and internment. The Cease Family Funeral Home of Bagley is assisting the family with arrangements.
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