Joan Marion (Egre) Horton

With love in our hearts, we celebrate the life of Joan Marion Horton (nee’ Egre), age 90, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family in Cambridge, Wisconsin.  A lifelong Wisconsinite, Joan was born on August 3, 1934 in Madison to John and Minerva Egre.

Joan grew up in a loving home on the family farm located on Hwy PQ.  Joan enjoyed listening to her father play the violin and her mother playing the piano. Growing up, she was an active member of 1st East Koshkonong Lutheran Church.  She attended Prairie Queen, a one-room country school, through 5th grade.  Graduating from Cambridge High School in 1952, Joan was the class valedictorian. She was active in choir, playing trombone, piano accompanist, band president, class secretary, SWEN editor, CA-HI staff, school plays, GAA and NHS. Joan went on to earn her degree in Education from UW-Madison.  Joan’s teaching career spanned 41 years.  Teaching students in Wisconsin, to Turkey, to Boston and back home to Cambridge for 33 years from 1966-1999.  She always said she loved being able to teach back home in Cambridge.  Her dedication to learning and teaching shaped her life and left a lasting impression on those around her.

Joan had a deep love for Norwegian heritage, travel, and found joy in exploring new places.  She embraced an active lifestyle after retirement and well into her later years taking up golfing, riding bikes, and staying engaged with her community, which she considered her extended family. 

Faith and music were central to Joan’s life.  She was a devoted member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, where after retirement, she played piano for over 25 years.  Her musical talents extended beyond the parish as she sang in the Catholic Diocesan Choir for more than two decades, sharing her voice in praise and celebration, not only in Wisconsin, but on several trips abroad.

Whether it was a birthday or a holiday, sporting event, concert, play, recital, religious ceremony, school activity or graduation, Joan could always be found celebrating and cheering on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout their many milestones.  She was an avid fan of Elvis Presley and cherished time spent at The Fireside Theatre with her children and grandchildren. Her presence brought warmth to every gathering, and her unwavering support uplifted generations.

Joan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children: Cindi (Tom) Baumgard, Kimberly (Brian) Meitner and Rich (April) Horton; her grandchildren: Elise (Matt) Kleinheinz, Anthony (Samantha) Zuelsdorf, Tycian Hanson, B.J. Meitner, Zachary Meitner, Meghan Meitner, Cooper Meitner, Jared Horton, Jacob Horton, Jace Horton and Jett Horton; and her great-grandchildren: Noah Meitner, Peyton, Brady and Ella Kleinheinz, Talon, Kamiah, Traxton, Torren and Brucks Zuelsdorf; and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Minerva Egre; and her siblings Leroy (Joyce) Egre, Bernice (Karl) Samek, Carol (Sidney) Johnson, Irene (Edward) Jensen, Helen (Robert) Crump, and infant brother.

Joan’s legacy lives on through the love she poured into every moment spent with family and friends, her dedication to teaching, and the music she shared so generously with others.  Joan had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and cared for.  May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on May 10, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM followed by Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 701 W. Water Street, Cambridge.  Graveside service will be at East Koshkonong Lutheran Church with luncheon to follow.

Memorials may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church or East Koshkonong Lutheran Church.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com