Still Together After 81 Years
After 81 years of marriage, Dr. Loren Horton and his wife, Blanche, have shared a lifetime of adventures, challenges and remarkable accomplishments. Today, both age 103, they continue sharing each day together in their beautiful suite in skilled nursing at King-Bruwaert (K-B) House senior living community in Burr Ridge/Hinsdale, Illinois. Being able to remain together is especially meaningful to them.
Planning for the Future at K-B House
The Hortons moved to K-B House from their longtime home in La Grange Park several years ago. They were looking ahead and wanted to secure their future in a community where they could remain together as their needs changed.
They quickly became active members of the K-B community, participating in fitness classes, lifelong learning opportunities and a variety of programs and activities. As their care needs evolved, they were able to transition together to skilled nursing while continuing to live side by side.
That continuity is one of the benefits of life at K-B House. As a Life Plan Community, K B House offers independent living along with assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing on one campus, giving residents the opportunity to plan for changing needs without having to leave the community they call home.
For the Hortons, the ability to remain together through every stage of aging has been one of life’s greatest gifts.
From Uncertain Beginnings to a Distinguished Career
Dr. Horton’s own life took a remarkable turn long before he became a physician. He is the first to admit that, as a young man, he was still finding his way, struggling academically and lacking a clear sense of direction.
Two influences helped change the course of his life: Blanche and his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
With Blanche’s encouragement and the discipline he developed during his military service, Dr. Horton found a new sense of purpose. He went on to become a Phi Beta Kappa scholar, graduate near the top of his class from Loyola Medical School and build a long and successful career in medicine.
He was among the original physicians on staff at La Grange Memorial Hospital.
A Life of Medicine and Adventure
Medicine was only one part of the Hortons’ remarkable life together. They were also adventurous world travelers, embracing opportunities to explore new places and experience different cultures throughout their marriage.
Looking back, Dr. Horton remains deeply grateful for the unexpected path his life took.
“My life has been unusual because of the dramatic turnaround,” he said. “I’m so grateful for how it all happened.”
After more than eight decades together, the Hortons’ story is about much more than a distinguished career or a lifetime of accomplishments. It is a story of partnership, perseverance and gratitude, and of having the opportunity to share every chapter together, including this one.
King-Bruwaert House
Ideally located in what has been called one of the best places to retire in Illinois by Niche.com, King-Bruwaert House senior living community has been gracing Hinsdale/Burr Ridge since 1933. The beautiful 35-acre campus includes independent living in The Gardens of King-Bruwaert House new luxury apartment homes and The Woods of King-Bruwaert House cottages. As an elegant and dignified Life Plan Community offering all levels of care, the campus also has access to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Less than two miles away in Hinsdale is Godair Park, King-Bruwaert House’s single-story rental duplex homes overlooking Ruth Lake Country Club. For additional information, visit www.KingBruwaert.org or call 630-216-8659. King-Bruwaert House is located at 6101 S. County Line Road in Burr Ridge.
