In Memory
Louis "Louie" Paul Horvath
November 20, 1936 ~ December 10, 2022 86 Years Old
Louis P. Horvath passed away on December 10 at Wellbrooke Rehabilitation Center in South Bend at the age of 86. Louie, as family and friends called him, was born November 20, 1936, to Louis and Leona Horvath, the second of their three children. He grew up in South Bend, where his father served as a city police officer. He often spoke of happy summer days when he and his younger brother, who he called his best friend, spent their time exploring and "trying hard to stay out of trouble.”
After graduating from Riley High School, Louie entered the United States Air Force, where he served, among other places, in Korea. After returning home, he was employed as a welder for Borneman Industrial Supply in Elkhart, where he made lifelong friends and retired after nearly 40 years of service.
In 2001, Louie married childhood friend Karen Brenner, who he had “loved since kindergarten.” They spent many happy years together, with her four children and grandchildren, before her death in February 2021.
Louie was a kind, gentle, caring man, genuinely interested in others. A great conversationalist, he loved long talks and finding out “what is new” with friends and family. He loved all animals, especially cats. He took a special interest in his nieces and nephews and often said he loved them as if they were his own children. He enjoyed photography and took thousands of beautiful photos of his hometown and his favorite state, Vermont. He was humble, impeccably polite, and had a wonderful sense of humor that remained even as the end drew near. Those traits endeared him to his loving family, friends, and staff members at Wellbrooke, who cared for him during his final days.
Louie is survived by his brother William Horvath of Granger, IN., his brother-in-law Lowell Martin of Bremen, nine nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, and 25 great-great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister DeMariss Martin, his sister-in-law Mary Lee Horvath, and nephew Michael Horvath.
Visitation with family will take place Monday, December 19, at Palmer Funeral Home-Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, IN, from 1 to 3 pm, followed by a brief military honor service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice that supports the well-being of animals. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
12.14.2022 djb
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