Alan Horvath 11/15/48 - 3/19/22

Our lionhearted hero has left this world. A destroyer of boredom, a defensive driver, and a terror to neighborhood squirrels who dared disrupt his bird feeders. Alan Horvath has hit the trail, going quietly, and peacefully, into the woods after his last brawl with heart disease. Undaunted in his final fight he departed on his own terms from the loving arms of his girls on Saturday, March 19.

A titan to the end, this silence comes in contrast to the maximum volume, robust passion, and general shenanigans he applied vigorously to literally e v e r y t h i n g in his 73 years of life.

He tracks the footpath of his parents Lenore Brown (Higgins) and Stephen Horvath and blazes a trail for his wife Susan (Darst), daughters Kate Horvath, (Joe Wicklund), Brooke Igl (Eric Igl), beloved grandchildren Nolan and Brynnie, kindred spirit sister, Suzanne Rooney, sisters-in-law Kathy (John) Berchild and Joyce Darst and best friend Greg Tinker, as well as his nieces and nephews, family, and friends - all of whom he loved fiercely. And, wow, did we love him back.

Alan enlisted in the USMC at 17 years old and served in Vietnam. He lived up to the name Magnificent Bastard, in mostly the best ways possible. His three Purple Hearts cannot encompass the loyalty, bravery, strength, and tenacity he brought us with every surviving breath. He graduated from Cathedral High School, and from UWS with a degree in Biology and English and was a Retail Account Manager for Kimberly Clark Corporation for over 30 years. Neither career, education, challenge, nor mere mythology could define or confine him.

He was a dedicated soldier, educator, salesman, father, brother, grandfather, son, and husband to his one true love Susan, his Darsie, his Spiff, his high school sweetheart, and best friend. Alan was a confidante and provided sound counsel to many. And, with a few colorful exceptions, he earned the respect of ALMOST everyone lucky enough to meet him. :)

Alan was active with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. You will never meet a more gifted and intuitive woodsman. His leadership will be missed on behalf of our wild spaces.

In the absence of his love and light we ask that you hug your dear ones, call old friends, connect with family, and tell them an intense, ridiculous, imaginative, or uncomfortable story. But, whatever you say, make it true, and from the depths of your heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Veteran's Centered Charity. We suggest the Wounded Warriors Project or your local VA. Finally, please help us tell his stories and help us share his legend with everyone you know.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm on Friday, Mar 25, 2022, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th St. Superior WI, 54880.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am on Saturday, Mar 26, 2022, at the Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap St. Superior, WI, 54880. Visitation one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with Military Honors Accorded by the Richard I. Bong-American Legion Post #435.