William B. Szabo, of Oregon, died Wednesday, September 17, 2003 in Arbors of Oregon Nursing Center. William was a prominent builder, developer, and realtor in the Oregon area for many years. The son of John and Mary Szabo, William was born in Toledo in 1913. He attended Waite High School, and graduated from Purdue University in 1940 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He left General Motors to serve his country in World War II. A Captain in the Third Army, Sixth Armored Division under General George Patton, William was assigned to G2 Intelligence. Upon return from Europe, he met and married the love of his life, Jean Huepenbecker Szabo. Together they raised a family of seven children and ran a successful building and realty business. At this time, William also started a home building business with his brothers, John, Julius, and Alfred. Later, he was in partnership with his brother Alfred in the home building company Szabo Builders, Inc. As an active member of the Oregon Businessmen's Association, he took a strong interest in the development of the Oregon community, including the construction of Ouskey Field at the Oregon Recreation Complex. After retirement from building, with his wife at his side, he ran Szabo Realty in Oregon for many years. He loved what he did, and often told young people that if they hated getting up in the morning to go to their job, then they were doing the wrong thing. William was a lover of education, excellence, and reading. He was well versed in many subjects because of his insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. All of these gifts he passed on to his children and grandchildren, along with his strong work ethic. Raised on a farm in Clay Center, he loved growing things. His yard was a living example of his love for trees and flowers, and he was featured in The Blade for the rare specimens he grew. Among his other loves were building fine furniture, and cutting gem stones — insisting on excellence in both. He was known to be a generous man, who would give anyone the shirt off his back. He is survived by his sons, William, Michael, and Gregory (Kim); daughters, Barbara (Thomas) Kitz, Mary (Ernest) Bollinger, and Joan (David) Mackey; brother, Alfred Szabo; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, and long time friend and business partner, George Madras. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Jean, and daughter Jeanie, and brothers John, Julius, and Oscar and grandchildren, Mark and Cindy Bollinger. Friends may call at the Eggleston-Meinert Funeral Home, 440 S. Coy Rd at Starr Avenue, from 2-9 P.M. Friday. The Dunberger American Legion Honor Guard Service will be at the funeral home at 7:30 Friday evening. Funeral services will begin at 9:30A.M. Saturday in the funeral home, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10.00 A.M. at St. Ignatius Church. Internment St. Ignatius Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the charity of the donor's choice. Visitation: Visitation Times 2-9 pm Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 Coy Road Chapel