Jeffrey Horchler Obituary

Jeffrey Allan Horchler

Oct 28, 1947 - Jun 28, 2025

Huron

Jeffrey Allan "Jeff" Horchler, 77, recently of Huron and formerly a longtime resident of Milan, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2025, after a lengthy illness.

Jeff was born October 28, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, to Donn Henry and Nancy (Falconer) Horchler. The family returned to their home in Lexington, Ohio, in 1953. Jeff graduated from Lexington High School in 1965 and in 1970, received his degree from University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy. That same year, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Medic and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the 171st Infantry Brigade. He continued his military service as part of the Ohio National Guard with the Sandusky unit, achieving the rank of Specialist 5 and an Honorable Discharge. In honor of his military service, Jeff was a lifetime member of American Legion.

Many people knew Jeff, as he was a pharmacist at several local drugstores throughout his career. Before moving to Sandusky, he was a pharmacist for Co-op Drugstore in Fairbanks. Upon returning to Ohio, he worked as a pharmacist at Gray Drug Stores in downtown Sandusky, and later served as chief pharmacist and store manager of the Sandusky Plaza store for many years. Jeff later joined Discount Drug Mart in Huron as chief pharmacist, where he stayed for 30 years. In 1994, he was named Chief Pharmacist of the Year.

Jeff's hobbies included reading, photography, birding, designing and caring for his yard and extensive garden, and traveling. He and his wife, Judith (Beck) Horchler, took numerous trips including two "around the world" cruises in 2021 and 2024. In April of 2024, Jeff and Judi celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary while on their world cruise. They hosted a celebration for family and friends in May of 2024.

Jeff leaves behind his wife, Judi; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Lisa Horchler of Huron; and two grandchildren, Jacob (fiancée Alexandra) Horchler of Cleveland, Tennessee, and Emma Horchler of Sandusky. In addition, he is survived by sisters, Laura McDaniel of Yuma, Arizona, and Sally Thompson of Newark; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Patricia Smith Horchler; brother, Tim Horchler; stepsister, Anita Smith Miller; and stepbrothers, Steve Smith and Craig Smith. He was also preceded by his grandparents, Carl and Lena Horchler and Arthur and Maude Falconer.

A private Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Burial will be at Milan Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Milan Salvation Army food bank, Stein Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.