Robert M. Horne

Bob’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 28, 2025:

Robert (Bob) Milton Horne, 87, passed away on March 16, 2025, in Mesa, AZ, surrounded by family and friends. He was born January 24, 1938, in Devils Lake, ND, to Caroline and Harold Horne. The oldest of four boys, he lived his first 14 years on the family farm near Penn, ND, and attended Dry Lake #1 for his first eight grades.

The family moved to Edmore, ND where he completed high school and met his wife, Deanne Roseth. They were married in 1955 and just recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. They had three sons-Daniel Jay, David Kay (deceased) and Richard Dale.

In 1959 Bob completed his Bachelor of Science at Valley City State College and began teaching at Eckelson, ND, then moved to Havre, MT, during which time he completed his master’s in American history at the University of North Dakota by attending four summer school sessions. After several years teaching at St. Cloud State University, he pursued his Doctorate at the University of Montana. Bob completed his doctorate degree in Western American History and Educational Administration in 1971 and accepted a position in the history department at Valley City State University. After a few years teaching history, he accepted the position of Vice President for College Relations for VSCU.

Bob’s career took a shift in 1975 when he was appointed Director of North Dakota State Parks and Recreation. He served in that capacity until 1981 when he was afforded the opportunity to direct the Cross Ranch Project for the Nature Conservancy. He led a statewide committee to raise $1.6 million to preserve a 6,500-acre natural area within Cross Ranch on the Missouri River, north of Mandan, ND. Later the Nature Conservancy would donate over 300 acres to the State to create Cross Ranch Primitive State Park.

In 1983 Bob accepted the position as Manager of the Minot office of Verendrye Electric Cooperative where he worked until his retirement in 2004. While in Minot, he served on numerous city boards and committees. He was a member of the Hostfest Board of Directors and worked tirelessly with hundreds of volunteers for the success of Hostfest. Bob served on the Town and Country Credit Union Board for ten years as well as several on the St. Joe’s Hospital Board.

Throughout his many work experiences, Bob was always civic minded and a steward of the land. His committee work not only revolved around his work but also his church and state. Bob’s faith guided his life and he was actively involved in the Methodist Church whether it be in Edmore, Valley City, Mandan, Minot or Fargo. He found great satisfaction serving on the Valley City State Foundation Board and the North Dakota State Historical Foundation. He truly enjoyed going to the meetings and being in the company of the talented board members. Bob had the privilege of serving in the North Dakota Senate from District 3 for the 2007 and 2009 sessions. Because of his strong work ethic, he was honored with several awards and organized and led numerous charitable money-raising efforts.

Although Bob valued his work activities, he was truly a family man. His sons and their families brought him great joy throughout his life. He loved family gatherings. As his children got older weekly telephone conversations were a must. Bob enjoyed golfing with family and friends, doing yard work, going for walks, watching sports, and going to baseball and football games. He liked to travel and did so often with his wife Deanne. He enjoyed reading and writing, but yet loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was busy. Bob will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend and a kind thoughtful person with a great sense of dry humor.

He is survived by his wife, Deanne; son Daniel J. (Bobbi), Katy, Texas; Richard D. (Lisa), Lenexa, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Shelley M. Horne, Fargo; brother Richard N. (Donna), Paradise Valley, Arizona; grandchildren, Shantel Horne, Paige Horne, Tyler Horne, Eric Horne, Sean Horne, Jay Vandenberg, and Dena Vandenberg; great grandchildren, Zane Horne, Kaitlyn Horne, Braydon Horne, Charlie Vandenberg, Lainy Vandenberg, and Celia McCright; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was preceded in death by his son David K. Horne; his parents Caroline and Harold Horne; his brothers, Alvin Horne and Charles Horne; his favorite aunt Charlotte Graichen and uncle John Graichen; and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Roseth.

A Celebration of the Life of Robert M. Horne will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Fargo First United Methodist Church, 906 First Ave S, Fargo, ND. Family visitation begins at 1:00 PM and the service commences at 2:00 PM.

For those who would like to honor Bob’s memory with a memorial gift, some suggested ideas are: North Dakota State Historical Foundation, the Valley City State University Foundation, the Fargo First United Methodist Church, or a cancer research fund.