Obituary of William Hanousek

William "Bill" Richard Hanousek Sr. passed away peacefully, Tuesday December 21st. Bill will be remembered dearly by family, friends and business associates all over the world. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, August 23rd. 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, Kansas 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, CA 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 CA. Son, Bill Hanousek (Bobbie) of La Quinta CA, Jim Hanousek (Kristi) of La Quinta CA, Steve Hanousek (Linda) of Indio CA, Sister, Jean Hanousek Martin of Palm Desert, CA 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 4th at 2:00 p.m. 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.