John Theodore Horsch

John T. Horsch was born on May 8, 1938, in Winfield, Kansas, to a hardworking farming family. After high school, he spent a year at an electronics trade school before starting his first job working with seismic equipment in search of oil in Kansas. In 1958, he joined the Air Force, where his skills and dedication quickly set him apart. He was selected for a top-secret mission with the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) and, after extensive training, began his career in Pinedale, WY, as an operator in a small seismic detachment.

During his time in Wyoming, John met the love of his life, Christel Rose Carmichael. They married on September 25, 1960, in beautiful Jackson Hole, WY. Their family grew with the birth of their son, John D., on December 12, 1961, in a small clinic in Pinedale. In 1962, the family moved to Turkey, where John was stationed until 1966. Their daughter, Catherine, was born on October 19, 1964, in Ankara, Turkey.

John’s Air Force career took him all over the world, including assignments in Korea, Virginia, Florida, and Germany. He played a key role in modernizing data processing and improving seismic monitoring operations. In 1985, he was appointed as Command Chief Master Sergeant, where he advised leadership on the well-being and success of enlisted personnel across 24 locations worldwide.

John’s remarkable contributions were recognized in 2020 when he was inducted into the AFTAC Wall of Honor. His colleagues admired his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment. One general officer described him as “the pacesetter for all other noncommissioned officers in AFTAC—one of the Air Force’s finest!”

While serving, John pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor's degree from Rollins College in 1988. After retiring from the Air Force in 1987, he continued his studies, earning a Master’s degree in Psychology in 1990. He then found a new passion—helping children—as a school counselor at Holland Elementary and later Lockmar Elementary. He loved working with students and even enjoyed cafeteria duty!

John loved to travel, spending summers visiting family in California and Arizona, as well as exploring national parks and scenic destinations. In retirement, he stayed active by volunteering at Viera Hospital, helping wherever needed, from driving the golf cart to organizing paperwork. He was also the longtime editor of the AFTAC Alumni Newsletter, the Post Monitor, where his witty column, "From the Horsch’es Mouth," became a favorite among readers.

After Christel passed away in 2012, John found strength in the support of his dear friend Kathy Vannucci. Their friendship became a source of comfort, and Kathy remained by his side through the challenges of COPD.

John always believed in staying active. He started jogging in 1966—so early in the fitness craze that he had to run in his basement! Later, he took up biking and enjoyed riding through Viera’s beautiful trails. He even biked through the vineyards of Willamette Valley with his daughter and son-in-law, Quent Herschelman.

In 2018, John moved to The Fountains, an independent living community where he made wonderful new friends. He loved participating in groups like the veterans’ club and a bowling league, always reflecting on how blessed his life had been.

John is survived by his brothers, Dennis and Phillip; his son, John; his daughter, Cathy; his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of friends who cherished him dearly. His kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John’s family will celebrate his life on Saturday, May 24 at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL. The family requests no flowers but appreciates donations be directed to the American Lung Association at lung.org