Emil Leroy Horkey was born on October 5, 1951 to Howard Laster Horkey and Mable Ide (Messenbrink) Horkey in Windom, MN. Emil attended school in Windom and graduated from Windom High School in 1969. After school Emil went to work for Steffen's and then the elevator putting up grain bins. Emil then went to work at Toro where he worked for 40 years until retiring in 2011. Emil married the love of his life Penelope (Penny) Nichols on April 9, 1977. The union blessed them with two children, Casie and Duane Horkey. Emil loved to hunt and fish. For many years, Emil would travel to Wyoming to hunt. In 2000 Emil and Penny moved to the country. He loved watching all the wildlife and being surrounded by nature. Emil loved to watch the birds come and stay for the summer. Emil and Penny both loved every day out in the country. Emil also enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and the Gophers. He also enjoyed going to auctions and getting antiques. Anything old really interested Emil. If Emil saw something that was rare, strange, odd, or old he would have to have it. On April 16, 2020 Emil passed away peacefully at his home in rural Windom at the age of 68 years. Emil is survived by his wife of 43 years Penny Horkey of Windom; two children Casie (Eric) Halgrimson of Palisade, MN and Duane (Kelly Bult) Horkey from Huron, SD; two grandchildren, Lorna and Meredith Bult; seven brothers, Jerry (Mary) Horkey of Lynchstation, VA; David Horkey of MA; Mark (Cindy) Horkey of Green Bay, WI; Thomes (Karen) Horkey of Sherburn, MN; Howard (Louise) Horkey of Coupeville, WA; Daniel (Carmela) Horkey of Riverside, CA; Steven (Sherry) Horkey of Decherd, TN; 18 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mable Horkey.