Later this morning, hundreds of people will pay their final respects to a man that played a vital role in elevating not only the quality of athletics at Pella High School, but the quality of the student-athletes that participated in them. Former Pella Schools Superintendent Mark Wittmer says those who reflect on the life and legacy of Bill Van Horn, will find that his lasting impression goes far beyond wins, state titles and the fields of play where the beloved teacher, coach and Athletic Director took in so many athletic competitions in his time at Pella High.

“It’s easy to take a look at facilities and see what a significant role Bill played in making our facilities better over the time that I was there; but I don’t think that’s the big story with Bill. I think the big story is that as you look at the experiences our kids have in our [athletic] programs, they are surrounded by incredible people who are leading those programs – all under the guidance that Bill Van Horn led them through,” said Wittmer.

“I think as kids move forward, and they look back on a lot of life lessons that they learned through their involvement with the athletic program at Pella High – and not just the wins and losses, but more importantly the ability to learn to work together and sacrifice for the greater good – those are the things they’ll carry with them in later life.”

The funeral services for Bill Van Horn will be held at 10:30 a.m. this morning at the Third Reformed Church in Pella. He is survived by his wife, Margene; daughters Heather, Holly, Heidi, and Hillary; son Zachary; their spouses; and eight grandchildren.

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