Linus Henry Martin Horcher, II

Linus Henry Martin Horcher II, 65, of Indianapolis, passed away at Franciscan Health Indianapolis late in the evening of April 2nd, 2022. Linus was born on August 18th, 1956, in Champaign, Illinois to the late Linus and Alice (Leingang) Horcher. Linus graduated from Gibault High School, Waterloo, Illinois, in the class of 1974. He received his undergraduate degree in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois and his master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of Nebraska.

On August 4th, 1979, Linus wed Marguerite “Meg” Horcher in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia, Illinois. The pair enjoyed 42 years of marriage together and had three daughters: Rachael, Amanda, and Laura. He and his wife have been active members of St. Barnabas Catholic Church for many years. Linus devoted much of his time, talent, and treasure to the music ministry at St. Barnabas. He directed the Adult Bell Choir for twenty-five years; he also devoted much of his time to the music program at St. Barnabas Catholic school, including the junior high musical and hand chime choir.

Linus’s love for music started at an early age. He played the organ at his local church in Columbia, Illinois, and continued to play piano and sing all his life. He spent thirty years working for Eli Lilly & Company in Indianapolis, starting his career as an organic chemist, and moving on to become the Head of Emergency Response. In his retirement, he volunteered as an emergency response planner for the American Red Cross and the Emergency Operations Center for the state of Indiana. He was an avid cyclist who rode 10+ miles daily right up to a few weeks prior to his passing. Every year, he gave away jars of jam and bottles of wine made from various fruit, including the blackberries cultivated in his garden. Linus was a loving husband, father, brother, and granduncle. He will be truly missed by all of those he leaves behind.

He is survived include his children, Rachael Horcher, Amanda Horcher, Laura (Aaron) Gottman; his sisters Ann-Marie Horcher, S. Madonna Horcher, and Mary Frances Horcher; his siblings-in-law Chris (Scot) Higginbotham and Dick (Gina Shimeall) Demick; his nieces Monica Martin and Kate-Alice Keckler; his grandniece Zelda Keckler and a host of extended family and friends.

Linus was preceded in death by his parents, Linus Horcher and Alice Horcher, and his brother-in-law, Don Martin.

The Life Celebration® Visitation for Linus will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the chapel at the O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 7:30 PM Wednesday evening to conclude the visitation. Morning Prayers begin in the funeral home at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 7, 2022. Following morning prayers, Father John McCaslin and Father Guy Roberts will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 11:00 AM in St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis. For those unable to attend, the Mass will be live-streamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/2000068. Following the Mass, a mercy meal will be held at St. Barnabas.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Red Cross at 1510 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, or the St. Barnabas Music Ministry, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, IN. 46217. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to leave an online condolence for the Horcher family.