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William "Coach" Heerde, 90 died on April 7, 2004 in Albuquerque. He was born on August 24, 1913 in Moline, Illinois. Bill is survived by his wife of Patricia, whom he married in 1945, four daughters, Dee Clary of Long Beach, CA, Carolyn Brislen and Jane Haagensen, both of Albuquerque, and Kathy Smith of Denver, CO. He has eight grandchildren, Scott Clary, Heather, Meredith, and Martha Brislen, Neil and Kate Haagensen, and Calvin and Tracy Smith. In addition, he has nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Ida Emma Furhrburg Heerde, two brothers, Fred and Walt, and one sister, Ella. He graduated from Moline High School in 1931 and attended Knox College in 1938. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941 and received a Bronze Star for his service on the islands of Tulagi, Tarawa, Guam, Guadal Canal, Saipan, and Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. He then returned to Knox College in 1945, and at the age of 32, became the oldest college football and basketball player in the country. He coached and taught physical education in Illinois until 1968, then moved to Albuquerque where he was employed with the Albuquerque Public Schools until his retirement in 1978. He was inducted into the Knox College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996 and has since enjoyed playing golf at UNM North. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the memorial service on Saturday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel of Sunrise, 7601 Wyoming NE. Inurnment will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Thursday, April 15. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in his name at Albuquerque High School. Please send any donations to The Albuquerque High School Alumni Association, 800 Odelia NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. We would like to thank the staff of Laurel Heights and Zia Hospice for their help and support. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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