John Gregory Horvat, age 83, of Austin, died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005 at his home.

He was born Feb.13, 1921. in LeRay Township, Minn., to Stephen and Magdeline (Mozenich) Horvat. He graduated from Loyola High School. On June 26, 1951, he was united in marriage to Lorraine Mary Schultz in Wells. John was a veteran of World War II having served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946. While in the Army he attended Field Artillery School taking a Motor Mechanics Course in Fort Sill, Okla.

John was a dairy farmer throughout his entire life. He also raised crops such as corn, oats, soybeans, alfalfa, and sorghum. In 1951 John and Lorraine purchased their first farm of 120 acres near Madison Lake. In the spring of 1961 they purchased and moved to a 240 acre farm south of Oakland. John was a 4-Her and a 4-H parent winning a state conservation award as a member and as a 4-H parent taught his kids to train their animals for show. He loved Lorraine’s flowers, often teasing her and calling them “weeds.” John also enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping – especially when living in the Madison Lake area. He loved kids, loved to play cards with family and friends. John was an avid Twins and Vikings fan, watching every game. Birdwatching was a thrill for John.

Survivors include his wife: Lorraine Horvat of Austin; children: Michael Horvat of Austin, Patricia (Brian) Sagadin of Glendale, Ariz., Suzanne (Michael) McNamee of Eagan, Barbara (Scott) Stephens of Brooklyn Park, Beverly (Lowell) Johnson of Oakdale, Edward (Shona) Horvat of

Roy, Utah, Gregory (Michelle) Horvat of Austin, and Clara “Angel” Horvat of Austin; grandchildren: Andy, Alex, Tommy and Sarah Sagadin, Jim, Anita and Danny McNamee, Niomie, Nick, Mary and Joe Stephens, Stephanie, Grant and Rachel Johnson, Becca, Josh, Shawn, Tyler and Kaitlyn Horvat, and Adam, Derek, Jake and Ellen Horvat; brothers: Martin Horvat of North Mankato, and Steve (Dorothy) Horvat of Lowry; Minn.; sister:

Sr. Veronica Horvat, SSND, of St. Paul; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and -nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Mary Ritter, Katherine Pufahl and Anne Anderson; brothers: George Horvat and Joseph Horvat; and two infant siblings.

A memorial mass was celebrated 11 a.m. today, Jan.11, at the Church of St. Edward, Austin,

with the Rev. John Traufler officiating. There was a 7:30 p.m. wake service Monday at Mayer Funeral Home, Austin, where friends called from 6 to 8 p.m., and also one hour before the service at the church today.

Military rites were be by American Legion Post #91 and VFW Post #1216. Interment will be in St. Casimir Cemetery in Wells.