Victor C. Horton

Victor Charles Horton, 86 of Elmira, passed away at home on Monday, February 24, 2020.

Born in Riverdale, MI on April 20, 1933, Victor was the son of Charles and Pearl (Wolfgang) Horton.  After graduating from nearby Vestaburg High School, he began his college education at Western Michigan University.

College had to be put on hold as Victor joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, serving aboard the original USS Wasp.  Later, after his military service ended, Vic returned home and continued his education at Central Michigan University, receiving both his Bachelors and Masters degrees.

He began a long career as a teacher, coach and mentor to countless young people as a teacher at Vestaburg Schools and later Benzie, Inland Lakes and Brimley schools.

While teaching and coaching at Inland Lakes Schools in Indian River, Vic met his future wife, Kristin E. Blomberg.  They were married at Burt Lake on August 3, 1968.  Victor and Kristin, also a teacher, later moved to Brimley where Vic finished his teaching career.  After retiring, he split his time between the Upper Peninsula and Elmira, where they both enjoyed the home they built together.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Vic also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and traveling.

He is survived by Kristin, his wife of almost 52 years; his beloved cat and companion “Boy Cat”; sisters, Annette (Lyle) Hansen, Pam (Kerry) LaVictorie and Sally (Kendall) Wadle; a brother, William (Marilyn) Horton; sisters-in-law, Donna Alkire and Caryn (Mike) Foshaug; and several nieces and nephews.  Vic was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sharon Lahde; and brothers-in-law, David Alkire and Ivan Lahde.

Arrangements for a memorial gathering this spring or summer are pending and will be announced later.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Women’s Resource Center in Petoskey or the Aflac Children’s Cancer Center or the National Audubon Society.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com