Saturday, November 14, 2026
On Thursday 4/18/2024 Denise Ann Horvat, loving wife, passed away at age 60. She grew up in Union City, Michigan, daughter of William “Junior” and Harriet (Schroder) Lewis. After graduating from Union City High School, class of 1981, Denise moved to Naples Florida and met her husband of 39 years, Bill.
Denise worked in the restaurant business for years, was a gator handler, and a salesclerk in the Airboat industry. Most recently she was employed at Everglades Bait and Tackle. Not only was she a knowable fishing gal ready to set you up with bait, tackle and tips, she also was great at modeling and selling merchandise from Olukai sandals to the latest earrings and everything in between.
The media seemed to always notice her. She was on TV for The Humane Society, in The Naples Daily News, Naples Press, Watch Tower, Marco Sun Times, and most recently The Everglades Cities Mullet Wrapper for her work in the Community Garden.
Denise had many hobbies - fishing and gardening being two of her favorites. She also loved to decorate and cook for the holidays. Denise was also a huge lover of all animals and was a volunteer dog walker at the Naples Humane Society for years.
To sum it all up. Denise’s favorite thing to do was to put a smile on someone or some animal's face to let them know she cared.
She is survived by her loving husband Bill Horvat, her sisters Linda, Vicki, and Lori. In-laws Eric (Mia) Horvat, Kim (Dale) Mohowitsch, and Jerry Horvat.
In lieu of flowers Denise would love those who are able instead to make a donation to their favorite charity.
5/16/2024 Coastal Breeze News
