Roger William Horn, 1939 – 2002

Roger was born in Mason City on Dec. 2, 1939, son of Ralph O. and Esther (Timm) Horn. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1957. Early in his high school years he won the Mason City Open. Based on this, he won a golf scholarship to the University of New Mexico. Staying an avid golfer all his life, he, however, switched to studies in science and graduated from the University of Iowa. He then attended University of Iowa School of Dentistry. He practiced for 20 years in Ames, Nora Springs and Mason City. In his early 40s he received a second doctorate from the Northwestern School of Chiropractic in Minneapolis. From that time on he lived and practiced in Clear Lake. He also was for many years a student of nutrition for health. He was a dedicated naturalist, environmentalist, and gardener, leaving thriving gardens in no less than five locations. He saved seeds and gave away much of what he grew. He loved biking and had participated in RAGBRAI for more than a decade. He would often bike around the lake in the summer. He was a strong advocate of social justice, and was well known around town as a frequent letter writer to the newspaper on these issues. To research these issues he was a permanent fixture in the town library. He held a discussion breakfast every Saturday morning at a local restaurant to which anybody was invited. For more than 30 years he was active in the Baha’i religion, participating in many of its conferences and seminars. On Roger’s refrigerator were these words: “Home of the juiceman. Always remain aware of all the beauty within us. Differences are grand. Be unique. Be individual. Seek the beauty.”Roger is survived by his son, Bradley Horn and his wife, Gretchen of Portland Ore.; and his brother Robert, who resides in Bainbridge Island, Wash. Roger was preceded in death by his parents.Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, (641) 357-2193.