St. George, Utah - Robert James "Bob" Horlacher passed away Friday, October 19, 2012. He was born March 30, 1931 in Ely, Nevada to Harry and Susan Christiansen Horlacher. Bob lived a good life despite the debilitating disease of Alzheimers in the last years of his life. He was the perfect example of a great husband, father, son, brother and grandfather. His example of love, generosity and patience echoed through the lives of the many family, friends, students and athletes that he came in contact with throughout his 81 years of life.

Bob lived in Ely, Nevada the first six years of his life before the family moved to Tooele, Utah for the next six years. Finally, the family settled in Pioche, Nevada where his father opened the Horlacher Stop and Shop grocery store. Bob learned the meaning of hard work by cutting meat, stacking shelves and delivering groceries around the town.

Bob married Roma Bentley on September 19, 1950. The marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple. To this union, eight children were born. Bob attended Dixie College, BAC (SUU) and Utah State on football and baseball scholarships. He began his teaching career at Lincoln County High School in Panaca, Nevada for one year. From there he went to Delta, Utah for the next eight years coaching football, track, wrestling and baseball. In 1965, after several sessions of summer school at Utah State and after receiving his masters degree, he began teaching at Dixie College in St. George, Utah. His main teaching assignments were in physical education, but coached football, baseball, volleyball and softball. Bob trained lifeguards and instructors in swimming and was the Red Cross representative for Southern Utah. He ands his wife, Roma, managed the city swimming pool for about nine summers.

In 1971, Bob, along with Sherm Miller, were the first organizers of the first St. George Marathon. He competed with the fifty-five other runners. Roma was sitting at the finish line recording the times of the runners as they finished. He has run nine marathons, including the Deseret News Marathon, Boston Marathon and the Redwood Marathon in California. His best time was 3:02 in St. George. He started hiking classes in Southern Utah for long and really long hikes through the beautiful red deserts and trails every Wednesday and Saturday.

Bob served in two bishoprics; Delta and St. George, before being called as Bishop of the Dixie College Third Ward for six years. After retiring from Dixie College, Bob and Roma served a mission in the Houston East/South Mission. He was very devoted to his church callings and there wasnt anyone he turned away in need of assistance. He was always looking for ways to serve others.

He is survived by his children: Russell (Ann) Horlacher of St. George, UT, Rexine Bullock of St. George, UT, Kris Nielsen of Puerto Moralos, Mexico, Liz (Les) Bracken of Perry, UT, Tricia (Kurt) Nelson of Diamond Valley, UT, Bentley Sullivan of Brigham City, UT, Scott (Nan) Horlacher of Las Vegas, NV, and Tracy (Tony) Bigelow of Lantana, Texas; 27 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Ron (Audrey) Horlacher, Pete (Dee) Horlacher, Tom (Helga) Horlacher, Mike (Jean) Horlacher, Jane (Tom) Adams, Mary Sue (Bob) Bishop, Gail (Owen) Roundy, and Dorothy (Steve) Fluckiger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Roma; parents and brother, Kenneth Horlacher.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George LDS 5 ^th and 6 ^th Ward Chapel, 85 South 400 East, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel. Interment will follow at the St. George City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.

The family wishes to thank Cliffview Assisted Living and Dr. Doug Callahan and his staff for their kind care and patience with our father during his latter years. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in Memory of Bob to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.