Robert Earl Horien, 92, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with the service to celebrate Robert’s life at 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Stephanie White officiating. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 117, VFW Post 2793 and Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Born on May 4, 1933, to Leo and Ida (Hagglund) Horien west of Holt, MN in Holt Township. Robert was baptized on July 16, 1934, and grew up in a large, loving family. Robert attended Holt School and then moved to Milwaukee, WI for work.

On August 13, 1953, Robert entered into service with the United States Army. He was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska and was Honorably Discharged on June 21, 1955. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, a commitment that remained meaningful throughout his life.

After returning to Thief River Falls, Robert worked at various places including Charlie’s Tire Service, Prichard Bros. Construction, Otis Miller Mink Farm and Hartz Wholesale.

On June 20, 1959, Robert was united in marriage to Barbara Lea Potucek and to this union twin sons were born, Ricky and Randy. Together they built a family grounded in devotion, resilience, and deep affection. They made their home in Thief River Falls.

Robert enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, tractors, hunting with his sons at their cabin near Grygla, MN, fishing and spending time at their cabin at Springsteel Resort at Lake of the Woods, and enjoyed time with his family and especially loved time with his grandchildren. Robert was a very welcoming man who enjoyed telling a good story and drinking coffee.

He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls and American Legion Post for over 60 years.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of almost 67 years, Barbara of Thief River Falls; sons Ricky (Carol) of Holt, MN and Randy (Lynn) of Bemidji, MN; grandchildren Corey (special friend Francesca Mandino) of Philadelphia, PA, Cheyenne Paulouski (John), Cullen (Jessie), all of Bemidji, and Kyle Muetzel (Anne) of Canby, OR; and great-grandchildren Madison, Macy, Robbie, Hallie, Abigail, and Kobe. He is also survived by his sisters Bonnie Peterson and Mary Ann Swan both of Thief River Falls; Barb’s brother Jim (Linda) Potucek; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ida; his brothers Donnie, Howard, Jerome, Leon, Lincoln, and infant twins Richard and Roger; and his sisters Lucille Hams and Norma Dahle.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com