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Joan Marie (Gerber) Horner

January 12, 1951 – December 24, 2025

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Obituary For Joan Marie (Gerber) Horner

Joan Marie (Gerber) Horner, 74, of Kent, Washington, entered eternal rest peacefully at her home on Christmas Eve, 2025. A devoted Catholic, loving mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, Joan lived her life rooted in faith, service, and love. She now rests in the peace of Christ, surrounded by God’s eternal mercy.

Joan was born on January 12, 1951, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to Thomas Gerber Sr. and Donna Gerber. From an early age, she embodied a servant’s heart and carried that calling throughout her life. She dedicated herself fully to her family and found profound joy in God’s creation, especially in caring for her animals, including horses, chickens, dogs, and cats. After a peaceful day spent tending to them, she would often say, “It is well with my soul,” reflecting her deep trust in God’s providence.

A lifelong learner, Joan believed that growth was a gift from God and embraced new experiences with courage and curiosity. She encouraged those around her to pursue their dreams, often saying, “Well, let’s find a way to make it happen.” Her faith was lived through action—volunteering at church, serving as a youth group leader, and faithfully supporting her children in all they did.

Joan most cherished watching her daughters, Anna and Sara, and her son, Quinn, ride horses, and cheering on Quinn at his club volleyball matches. She held a master’s degree in international business, graduated summa cum laude as the top student in her college class, worked as a Spanish teacher, and dedicated more than 30 years of service to United Airlines. She loved traveling and discovering new places, playing volleyball, riding horses, and tending to a vibrant, colorful garden each spring. In all things, she sought to glorify God by loving others well.

Joan is survived by her husband, Lawrence “Buzz” Horner Jr. of Kent, Washington; her daughter, Anna Horner of Bellevue, Washington; her son, Quinn Horner of Kent, Washington; her sisters, Jane Stark and Mary Kuehl of Wisconsin; her brothers, Dan Gerber and Thomas Gerber of Wisconsin; and her mother, Donna Gerber of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Sara Horner, whom she now rejoins in the loving arms of our Lord.

A viewing will be held at CADY Cremation Services, located at 8418 S. 222nd St., Kent, WA 98031, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The viewing will be limited to one hour and attendance is restricted to a maximum of 50 people. Those who plan to attend are kindly asked to contact Joan’s daughter, Anna Horner, in advance so a list can be arranged.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Joan’s life and faith will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave SE, Covington, WA 98042, on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend and share memories as we gather to honor and celebrate Joan’s life.

A reception will follow the Mass and will be held in a potluck-style format, as Joan deeply loved sharing food, fellowship, and community with family and friends. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share as we gather one final time in the spirit Joan cherished so much.

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  • January 20, 2026

    I’m so sorry to hear of Joan’s passing. Not only did I work with Joan. She and Buzz were good friends. I was able to fulfill my dream of taking horse back riding lessons on Joan”s horse. Camping with Joan, Buzz and Sara making unforgettable memories. All my love to Buzz and of course to Anna and Quinn. Tanja, Brad, Tess and Yana Tanja Van Hilst

  • January 20, 2026

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Joan at United for over 10 years. She made me laugh every day. Such a warm, beautiful person. She talked about her kids often and loved them so much. I am so sad to hear of her passing. Janie Seymour

  • January 20, 2026

    My Sister Joan Joy. In reflecting on how to describe my sister Joan, joy keeps coming to mind. Joy is the love of God poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mike Schimtz says that his favorite definition of joy is the abiding and pervasive sense of well-being. Joy is a choice one can choose in any circumstance. We can make that choice because, as Christians, we understand that God knows and loves each of us. He calls us by name. And Joan knew that. She was able to choose joy and not be afraid, despite many tough life circumstances, because she knew in her heart and soul that God was with her. Joan showed joy in teaching my sister and me how to play the guitar and sing Spanish songs, folk songs, and Dad’s union songs. She was joy-filled in discovering her passion for horses and taking us to ride her first horse, Frosty. Joan gave me a wonderful experience in taking us to see the opening of The Sound of Music at the movie theater and sneaking back in to watch it a second time and then singing all the songs with us. Having a sister who was 12 years older than me was wonderful as she helped with my hair, wrapped it in socks at bedtime, let me brush her beautiful hair, and taught us how to use cold cream on our faces. I recall Joan’s joy in being a LAMP missionary to Mexico and her joy in studying in Mexico, Guatemala, and Colombia. She had a joyful passion for adventure. I can say that Joan knew that deep abiding joy in her life, because, after the tragic loss of her daughter Sara Jane, she was able to bounce back and demonstrate a joyful appreciation of life, of the little things. She brought me joy on a trip home to Wisconsin when she was so excited to actually walk into stores and get an ice cream cone, meat, and cheese without a mask during the COVID days! She exclaimed about the beautiful scenery and animals on our drives through Wisconsin. She had so much fun singing the soundtrack to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with my family on one of our trips and taking a walk on the beach of Lake Michigan in winter coats. Joan saw the little things in our world and chose to see them with joy. She embraced life as it came, despite all the hardships and trials, and took things one step at a time. She gave everything she had to her children and, more recently, in an unselfish determination to help Buzz through his cancer treatments. Joan sent email updates regularly about life, and we talked often. She would close her notes and conversations many times, saying, “It is well.” When I asked why she did that, she recounted the story behind the poem/song It Is Well with My Soul. This was written by Horatio Spafford, and Joan recounted that he was a successful businessman whose business was failing after the Chicago fires of 1871. He then lost a baby son, and he thought his family needed a vacation. He sent his wife and four daughters across the ocean to England, planning to join them later. The ship sank, with his wife being the only survivor of their family. While he went by ship to meet her in England, the captain pointed out that they were over the spot where the ship sank, and his four daughters were lost. He was inspired to write: When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll— Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know It is well, it is well with my soul. Joan lived through a traumatic tragedy and many hardships in life. As her childhood friend wrote in a card, she was faithful, honest, true, supportive, and always kind. Joan knew God loved her and, through God’s grace, was able to see the joy in this world and share her joy with others. It was well with her soul. May her soul now rest in peace with the God who loves her unconditionally and deeply. Her name is on our Lord’s lips now, calling Joan to the joy of seeing His face for eternity. Rest, my dear, beloved sister. Love You. Jane Jane Stark

  • January 20, 2026

    Our hearts break for all of you. Joan was a beloved dear sister and a kind and wonderful lady. She is so missed Jane Stark

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