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William Holzbach Obituary
May 17, 1931 - Dec. 25, 2023
SCHERERVILLE, IN - William A. Holzbach, age 92, of Schererville, IN, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023.
William is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Holzbach (nee Porter); children, Laura (Mike) Conquest and David Holzbach; grand-children: Sarah (Joseph) Brogan, Allison Conquest, Nicole Jakubowicz, Gina (Blake) Widner, Michael (Chloe) Jakubowicz and Steve Holzbach; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Delores Clark.
William was preceded in death by his parents: Andrew and Catherine Holzbach, son, Steven Holzbach; and daughter, Linda Jakubowicz.
William Holzbach was known by most as Bill. He was a loving and dedicated husband and father. Bill enjoyed golf and spending time with family and friends. He was a long-time member of Club Ki-Yowga in East Chicago.
Much of Bill's life was dedicated to athletics. He played baseball, basketball and football during his high school years at East Chicago Roosevelt. While playing football at Roosevelt, the Rough Riders won three State Championships. Playing as a senior in 1949, Bill became a member of the Indiana All-State Football Team and was further honored by being named Indiana Player of the Year.
After high school, Bill attended Indiana University in Bloomington. He played baseball his freshman year and football his sophomore, junior and senior years. He studied education and was a member of the ATO fraternity. After graduating from IU, he joined the Army.
Bill returned to East Chicago Roosevelt High School after completing his enlistment. Instead of returning as a student, he was now a teacher and a coach. He found himself in a position where he could share his love of sports with, and try to pass some of his ability on to, the next generation. He taught Physical Education and Driver's Ed. While he coached some golf, baseball and football at Roosevelt, Bill is best known for coaching basketball. In the 1969-1970 season, Bill's Rough Riders were ranked #1 pre-season, went undefeated throughout the season and state tournament to become the Indiana State Champions.
Bill was inducted into: East Chicago Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, East Chicago Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, as a coach, in 1997, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, entire 1970 team, in 2010, and Indiana Football Hall of Fame, as a player, in 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in William's name to Share Foundation, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371-0400 (www.sharefoundation.org).
Friends may visit with the family for a Celebration of William's Life on Thursday, January 4, 2023 at GEISEN FUNERAL, CREMATION & RECEPTION CENTRE, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.
Visit William's online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Holzbach
Stan Marcinkowski
April 13, 2025
Condolences to the family.
I was a student at RHS 1962-1966. I started playing sports for RHS in 7th grade those were the training years back then, if you stuck it out and had some talent you were asked to play in your freshman to senior years.
I played football and basketball for Coach Holzbach, he was tough but fair always teaching and inspiring to make you a better player.
I am thankful that our lives crossed paths his teachings have stayed with me all my life. I´ve continued to play sports all these years, I´ve coached kids over the years always thinking back how would Coach Holzbach handle this situation.
God Bless and know that your efforts made many of us better a better person.
Stan Marcinkowski
RHS 1962-1966
Mike Waisnora , Basketball Referee
January 8, 2024
My Thoughts & Prayers are with the entire Family! May Coach Rest in Peace!
Bob Stephens
January 6, 2024
To Dave and all the Holzbach Family, you have my deepest condolences for the loss of Coach Holzbach.
The Raymond Scott Family
January 5, 2024
Our most sincere condolences to the family of Coach Holzbach. He was not only a great coach and teacher, but a great person. We wish you loving support during this difficult time.
Cheryl Frith Brown
January 4, 2024
Rest Well Coach ECRoosevelt will never forget you.
Hail to purple and to white
Mick Farkas
January 3, 2024
Sorry to hear about, Bill! Not only was he a Great Coach, but an even Better Person!
I will always cherish the times I spent broadcasting the East Chicago, Boys Basketball Sectionals, with Bill, as well as his
Takes on the State Tournament on
Coaches Corner, on WJOB!
Condolences to the Holzbach Family!
Rest Easy, Coach!
chris kouros
January 3, 2024
They say great coaches hate to lose.. that they have a burning in their belly for winning... coaches like Woody at OS..Bobby at IU..Bo at MI Vince at GB ..so did my coach at ECR Bill Holzback..the man had 67 wins and 6 losses his first 3 years as varsity coach at ECR and my 3 years on jv and varsity..he never gave up.. especially in the comeback victory at michigan city after being down 15 in the fourth quarter.. I have forgotten his fiery speeches before every game on the run to the state championship but I will never forget him or his son steve...hope they play 18 in heaven..rest in peace coach.. God bless your family.
Linda Darnell
January 2, 2024
The Holzbach family was a welcoming and loving fixture in East Chicago. Betty and Bill were the best. Coach will be missed.
Tom Bork Sr
January 1, 2024
Coach Holzbach was a great man. I knew him my whole life. He & his lovely wife were good friends with my parents. He & my dad were head coaches at East Chicago Roosevelt. He was boys basketball & my dad was football. He also found time to teach me how to drive a car. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Lord Scott J Prewitt
December 31, 2023
Holzbach family. I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I remember your family well growing up on the same block in EC.
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Memorial Events
for William Holzbach
Jan
4
Celebration of Life
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Geisen Funeral Home - Crown Point606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307
Funeral services provided by:
Geisen Funeral Home - Crown Point606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307
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