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William Hanousek Sr.

1928 - 2010

BORN

1928

DIED

2010

About

University of Minnesota University of Notre Dame

William Hanousek Obituary

William "Bill" Richard Hanousek Sr. passed away peacefully, Tuesday, December 21, 2010. Bill will be remembered dearly by family, friends and business associates all over the world. He was born in St. Paul, Minn. on August 23, 1928 to Richard and Grace Hanousek. He attended St. Thomas Military Academy and then on to his family Alma Matter, The University of Notre Dame. He also attended the University of Minnesota where he met the love of his life, Gladys. He was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in 1952 where he served in Topeka, Kan. for two years. Before his deployment to Germany in 1954, he married Gladys and she followed him to Germany. They spent the next two years traveling all over Europe and having wonderful adventures. Upon returning to the states, Bill and Gladys found themselves in Palm Desert, Calif. where Bill found work as a building superintendent. He moved the family to Catalina Island to build the Pavilion Lodge Hotel. Upon returning to the desert, they found their way into the swimming pool industry and purchased Poolquip in 1958. In 1963, he started Master Pools & Spas and was a founding member of the Master Pools Guild. He had the foresight that this barren desert would become a booming resort destination. He touched and influenced many lives with his knowledge and dedication to mastering his craft. Water hydraulics, swimming pools, sailing and his love of the outdoors were his passions. He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys of Palm Desert; sons, Bill Hanousek (Bobbie) of La Quinta, Calif., Jim Hanousek (Kristi) of La Quinta, Steve Hanousek (Linda) of Indio, Calif.; sister, Jean Hanousek Martin of Palm Desert; and four grandsons, James, Chad, Robert and Austin. Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 43-775 Deep Canyon Rd., Palm Desert, CA 92260 on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following charities: Martha's Village & Kitchen and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission of Indio.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: mydesert.com/obituaries

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Published by The Desert Sun from Dec. 30, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hanousek

20 Entries

paul urrutia

January 11, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hanosek Family. Bill was such a cool guy and always appeared larger than life. He had a great sense of humor and he will be greatly missed. We will always remember his smile.

The Urrutia Family, Paul, John and Frank

Dana Rice-Mark

January 11, 2011

Dear Hanousek Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that you'll all pull together, as always. Gladys, you are so blessed to have your three wonderful sons (and their families) who will see you through this most difficult time. Know that our family is sending prayers and our deepest condolences your way. Take care, all of you. Xoxo, Dana

Marc LeBlanc

January 10, 2011

Hey guys, We just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you. Bill was a great guy and we always looked forward to his quick wit and contagious laugh. He will be missed by all. God bless you all.

Casey Hutchinson

January 6, 2011

Hanousek Family - So sorry to hear of the loss of Bill Sr. We are proud to know your fine family and to have shared so many years in the desert. Please accept our heart felt condolences from the entire Hutchinson Family - Pat, Rand, Galen & Casey). God Bless during this difficult time.

January 4, 2011

Hanousek family - we are so sorry for your loss. Bill and I worked on many projects together at the Vintage Club over the years. Bill was a great guy with lots of insight - he will be missed. - Gordon DeWitte

Sydney Sickels

January 4, 2011

Dear Hanosek Family, we are saddened by your loss. Our family has known yours for many years through Sacred Heart and as longtime members of the Palm Desert community. Bill will be greatly missed by all. Please accept our condolences and know we are praying for your entire family. God Bless - Lois Handy, Mark Handy, and Sydney Handy Sickels

Ned Millis

January 3, 2011

To the Hanousek Family. I first met Bill at the Auto Club where I worked as receptionist. From our first meeeting we had a great relationship going with lots of repartee and much laughing. I never saw him without a smile on his face and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was a joy to know and I will miss the light he brought into my life.

Stephanie Oleson

January 3, 2011

Ken and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to your entire family. Ken had a super special place in his heart for Bill and was deeply impacted by both his life and by his passing. We pray God's mercy and grace upon Glady and the entire Hanousek family.
Most sincerely,
Ken and Stephanie Oleson

January 3, 2011

Dear Mrs. Hanousek, "Esa" and the rest of the Family (Jim and Steve, hope you guys and your families are well, its been a LONG time!)

On the one hand I see/read notes of condollences, etc., as is always "the expected thing", and I understand (I still remember "the notes" when my Dad passed awayalmost 31 years ago). But I have to say the fact I am compelled to write this note is indicative of the affect your Dad (and Mom) had on me from a very early age.

I ALWAYS got the sense that they really cared about what I/we were doing and "supported us". I can vividly remember your Dad with his shorts, big fore arms, stocky frame and bucket hat @ little league practices and games (when Bill was on the Palm Desert Post Team and Ray and I were on Palm Desert Rotary, remember Bill?) Even though we were on seperate teams your Dad always had a way for pulling for us as well as Bill's Team (they usually won), regardless of the outcome. Whenever I saw him over the years, whenever it was, I always felt "UP" after seeing him. Thats also why I'd stop by "the store by Market Basket" (hows that for dating ourselves)over the years just to say Hi. Whether its was Mr/Mrs. Hanousek, it was always worth the visit!

In summary, your Husband/Dad was a great guy who had a positive impact on my life at an early age that I know affected my approach to life AND the way we have raised our children, Keslie (24) and Ray (21). If we can all work to ensure that our kids pass along what your Dad did for us to their kids that will be a pretty good thing!

Finally, I know its a pain not being able to have your Dad "standing there in front of you right now". Know this, only time helps that heal. At least that's what I found. Life goes on, make the most of it every day, my bet is your Dad would not want it any other way!

Cheers to Mr. Hanousek and that Bucket Hat!

With the utmost RESPECT,
Joe Chaudoin
C/571.271.49890
[email protected]

January 1, 2011

bill, my old friend. i will allways remember our monday nite poker games. 25 cents limit. and hamburger nites at duanes! but, like i said, its not really poker when there are more wild cards than regular cards. rest in peace. john suggs

Robert King & Family, Deep Canyon Pool Service

January 1, 2011

To the entire Hanousek family. Please accept our deepest sympathy and hearfelt thoughts

Bill & Sonia Stewart

January 1, 2011

Bill, Jim and Steve we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bill & Sonia Stewart and family.

December 31, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Hanousek family. My wife and I met William Hanousek Sr. in 2004, when we hired Master Pools to build our first swimming pool and spa. Since then I have worked with Steve, and the rest of the Master Pool family as a continued loyal customer. As always,
Bob & Ann Nicholas,Sr. Rancho Mirage, CA

December 31, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. As a ham friend, his silent key will be missed. When we moved to Palm Springs in 1968 Bill built our first swimming pool. As always, George & Laura Thomas

Jack La Roche

December 31, 2010

Dear Steve,Linda,Austin,Bill and the entire Hanousek family. I never met your dad, but the family members I have met are true and genuine, a tribute to your father's values and love. May he rest in peace . Jack and Debbie La Roche

Cindy Rivas @ Jessup Auto Plaza

December 31, 2010

Our thoughts are with you ... so sorry for your loss .. always your friends at Jessup Auto Plaza ...Cindy Rivas

Brian Akers

December 30, 2010

We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was truely a great man that cared for people and life. He had a wonderful sense of humor. "Grus Got" Bill. Brian Akers and Cheryl Miller

Ellen Colglazier

December 30, 2010

What a lose to the community and his family. I met Mr. Hanousek when the developing of The Vintage Club first started. He was always kind, considerate and with a great sense of humor - My thoughts and prayers are with his whole family.

December 30, 2010

Thoughts and Prayers to the Hanousek Family, Bill Sr. will be greatly missed.
The McCune Family

Pat Cattarin

December 30, 2010

To Steve, Jim, and the rest of Bill's Family,
I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I first met Bill over 30 years ago and for 20 years we were competitors in the swimming pool business. He was always a most honorable gentleman in that capacity. We shared a very friendly rivalry. I and most all others in our industry had great respect for Bill. He was a real good guy and made me smile and laugh most times that we ran into one another. Sincere condolences to your entire family.

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