WILLIAM "BILL" HORVATH

William "Bill" Horvath passed away in Spokane, WA on September 14, 2010 at the age of 86. Bill was born on February 12th, 1924 in South Bend, IN.

He graduated from Washington High School in South Bend, then enlisted in the US Army where he served in World War II from 1943-1945 and earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his valor.

From the fall of 1945 Bill began attending Purdue University where he lettered in football and wore number "56". Bill shared the starting right guard position with former Chicago Bears coach, Abe Gibron, in 1947. In 1986 he was inducted into the "College Football Hall of Fame". In 1957 Bill and his family moved from Raleigh, WY to Paradise, CA. He took a teaching position at the Durham Jr. High School where he taught until 1967. Bill then took a position with NASA as an Aero Space Educator where he continued to work until he retired in 1986.

Bill retired in Spokane and is survived by his loving wife, Gwen Horvath; his daughter, Jill Williams; grandson, Justin Williams; stepson, Eric Hoffman; daughter-in-law, Debbie Hoffman; granddaughters, Emily and Kate Hoffman; step- daughter, Jenny Hoffman-Reese; son-in-law, Jason Reese; and grandsons, Bailey, Blake and Brady Reese. His son "Terry" Horvath passed away in 1991.

Bill will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of football, fishing, garage sales, and rock hounding. We'll all miss you greatly Bill.

At the request of the family, memorials in Bill's remembrance can be made in lieu of flowers:
Spokane House of Charity - (509) 624-7821
St. Peters Catholic School - (541) 889-7363
Spokane Make a Wish Foundation - (509) 458-2618

Published by Paradise Post from Sep. 18 to Oct. 18, 2010.

04/19/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/paradisepost/name/william-horvath-obituary?id=21382637