Patrick Blaine Horner, 58, of Valley City, ND unexpectedly passed away due to medical complications on July 5th 2022 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Mayville, ND to Margaret and Jon Horner on January 15th 1964. He attended elementary school in Racine, WI, then moved to Valley City to finish elementary and high school in Valley City. After he graduated from VCHS, Pat played football and pursued studies at Valley City State University. In 1986, he married his high-school sweetheart Debra Lemnus, and together they raised three sons: Benjamin, Nicholas, and Steven. He was the most wonderful and caring husband, father, and papa.

Pat loved making a difference in his community. He loved his career at Valley City State University, where he took great pride in executing many of the expansions and beautification projects across the campus. Pat could be found enjoying the outdoors at his home or camping. No one who entered his home would leave hungry, and their meal would contain nearly every spice in the cabinet. He shared his love for the peaceful outdoors and cooking with his three sons who now share what they learned with their own families. Pat would never say no to anyone who needed help. His final gift on this earth was organ and tissue donation through Life Source. At this time, the family knows of at least two individuals who have a chance to live their lives to the fullest through Pat’s gifts.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother. He leaves behind his wife, Debra Horner, sons, Ben (Taylor), Nick (Ashley) and Steven (Abbi), brother, Matt (Wanda) Horner, sister, Peggy (Brad) Wigen, grandchildren, Alexis and Rowan, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 13th 2022 at 6pm with a prayer service to follow at 7pm at Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City. Guests are welcome to come casually dressed as Pat would, and be prepared for light-hearted sharing of stories of our beloved “gentle giant.” The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 14th 2022 at 11am at Faith Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery in Valley City. The funeral service will be streamed on Faith Lutheran Church’s website.

Any monitory gifts will be used by Pat’s family for annual landscaping projects on the VCSU campus in honor of all of the time and effort that Pat put into the college. He will be greatly missed by all.