Alexander “Butch” Horst Sr.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 PM

ALEXANDER D. “BUTCH” HORST SR.

All who knew Alexander “Butch” Horst would agree that there was no one quite like him. He was eccentric and unique with a zest for life that just radiated from him wherever he went. Aside from his faith there was no greater love in his life than his family, and Butch was so proud to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchild he adored. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

The 1950s were an exciting time in American history. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe were big names in Hollywood while Elvis Presley burst onto the music scene. Rosa Parks made history during this decade, and by the dawn of the 1960s we became a nation of 50 states with the additions of both Alaska and Hawaii. It was as September dawned in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1950 that William and Florence (Sassi) Horst were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Alexander drew his first breath. He was the third of six children as he was joined in his family by his older siblings, Richard and Mary Ann, and his younger siblings, Michael and the twins, Larry and Linda. The Horst family homestead was located on Fratney Street in the Riverwest area of Milwaukee. Growing up around the Fratney Street area provided Butch an opportunity for plenty of childhood mischief. He and his sister, Mary Ann, would collect junk, soda bottles, and newspapers so they would have spending money. They also went house to house collecting money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital because of Danny Thomas.

In many ways Butch experienced a fairly typical upbringing. He attended local schools and even at a young age didn’t shy away from making a statement. Butch loved glitz and color so it really only seems fitting that he would spray paint his shoes for school so that he would stand out. He always spoke of how he had a crush on his kindergarten teacher. After completing the eighth grade, Butch went on to Boys Tech to focus on a trade, but by that time his father had already been teaching the boys auto body work and car painting. This became Butch’s passion as he loved anything car related as well as restoring and fixing cars. No car was left without some kind of flair, and he was gifted with a heightened attention to detail. Even in school he was quite the businessman as he would pack a suitcase with a large snack and candy assortment to sell to his classmates for a healthy profit. It was easy to see Butch’s huge heart even at a young age.

As a young man, Butch experienced some life-altering experiences. He met his true love when set up on a blind date with a young girl named Cheryl Stockhausen. Butch was smitten right from the start, and a romance soon bloomed. He hadn’t outgrown his mischievous spirit, and as a result he ended up being convicted of a crime and was sentenced to three years. This was a wakeup call for Butch as he knew this was something he never wanted to experience again. The chaplain greatly helped him, and he was a model inmate. As a result, he only ended up serving about half of his sentence as he was released because of good behavior. Butch wrote to Cheryl during this time, and her father helped him stay on the straight and narrow. Butch also learned a lot about Jesus during this time, which also changed his life.

With the desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Butch and Cheryl were married at St. Mary’s Church in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on May 18, 1973. Together they were blessed with three children, William, Jennifer, and Alex Jr. His family was always of the utmost importance to Butch. He was actively involved with his children and was there for every birthday and holiday. Every Fourth of July found him setting up at the park at nine in the morning, and they all stayed until nine that night. Many summers were spent camping in state parks with a camper that Butch got a deal on, of course. Sundays were always family day when they made lunches and played board games and card games. During the summer months Butch would set up the volleyball net and get out the frisbee. He loved hosting company, and he loved painting and putting together model cars with his son, Bill. Butch enjoyed riding minibikes and go-karts with the kids, and he especially loved driving the dune buggy that he restored. An all-around fun-loving guy, Butch loved playing yard games like croquet, lawn darts, and horseshoes as well as putting his creative spirit to work making glass yard art that he often sold. As his family and friends can attest, Butch never passed up a rummage sale as great deals could always be found, and the whole family was involved. Butch and Cheryl were able to take a memorable trip to Kentucky to visit the Creation Museum. He especially enjoyed all the flowers and grounds

Over the years there were many things that kept Butch busy. He looked forward to going out for coffee every morning, and he couldn’t ever pass up the opportunity to go out for ice cream – usually every day! Butch’s love language was giving gifts as he was always looking out for what he could give people. He also helped people find what they may have been looking for. One of Butch’s favorite sayings was, “It’s brand new, in the box,” and his motto was certainly always wanting to get a good deal. Butch saw a need to be baptized later in life, so he was baptized in the Name of Jesus. He attended a Holy Ghost Rally in downtown Milwaukee and he was filled with the Holy Ghost, which was one of the best moments of his life. Butch was deeply saddened with the death of his son, Alex Jr. in April of 2013.

Although he could be a bit tough on the outside, ask anyone who knew Alexander “Butch” Horst and they would tell you that he had a heart of gold. He loved being different as the more he stood out the better, and his free-spirited nature made him so much fun to be around. Butch treasured his role as a husband and father, but he just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather later in life. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Alexander D. “Butch” Horst, Entered his rest Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the age of 71. He is the beloved husband for over 48 years, of Cheryl A. Horst (nee Stockhausen). He is the cherished father of William Horst, Jennifer (George) Nusberger, and the late Alexander D. Horst Jr. Loving grandfather of Jacob Horst, Catherine Horst, David Horst, and Ryan Horst. Great-grandfather of Alianna. Dear brother of the late Richard Horst, Mary Ann (Allen) Pollnow, Michael (Pam) Horst, Larry (Jackie) Horst and the late Linda (Michael) Horst. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, December 30, 2021 at Parkway Apostolic Church 10940 S. Nicholson Road, Oak Creek, WI 53154 from 5:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 7:00 PM.