United States of America
U.S. Army · United States 
John H. Horst
John H. "Jack" Horst
1975
John H. Horst served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Natural
Cause
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
What Happened
Special Agent Jack Horst suffered a fatal heart attack while investigating the theft of a large number of brass couplings from the railroad yards in Clinton, Iowa.
An Illinois State Police trooper had conducted a traffic stop on Route 30, east of Morrison, and discovered the stolen brass after inquiring about the vehicle's heavy load. Special Agent Horst responded to the scene in Whiteside County, Illinois, to inspect the brass and to conduct a follow-up investigation. He was speaking with one of the suspects when he began to show symptoms of a heart attack.
He was transported to a Mercy Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, where he was pronounced dead.
The two brothers who stole the brass were convicted of larceny and sentenced to three years of probation and restitution.
Special Agent Horst was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served in law enforcement for 27 years.
An Illinois State Police trooper had conducted a traffic stop on Route 30, east of Morrison, and discovered the stolen brass after inquiring about the vehicle's heavy load. Special Agent Horst responded to the scene in Whiteside County, Illinois, to inspect the brass and to conduct a follow-up investigation. He was speaking with one of the suspects when he began to show symptoms of a heart attack.
He was transported to a Mercy Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, where he was pronounced dead.
The two brothers who stole the brass were convicted of larceny and sentenced to three years of probation and restitution.
Special Agent Horst was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and had served in law enforcement for 27 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and four daughters.
Keepsakes
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department
Special Agent
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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