David A. Dvorak

David A. Dvorak obituary, East Peoria, IL

David A. Dvorak

David Dvorak Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - East Peoria on Oct. 23, 2023.

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David A. Dvorak, 83, of East Peoria, passed away after a long, courageous battle with ALS, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, to be with his Savior Jesus. He was born in Peoria on August 12, 1940, to Klement and Catherine (Burge) Dvorak. He married his wife of 58 years, Patricia A. Culley, at the First United Methodist Church in East Peoria, on November 26, 1964; she survives.
David always said he didn't want any children, but Patty said, "I want 10," so they compromised on 6. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Trischa (Curt Hogland) Lanum of Spokane, WA, Ericka Dvorak of East Peoria, Nathan (Crystal) Dvorak of Auburn, IL, Adam Dvorak of Bartonville, Maria (Jason) Olvera of Greenville, MI, and Merideth Dvorak of East Peoria; 2 foster children, Jeffrey and Christie; 13 grandchildren, Jacob (Etta), Emily, Katy, Matthew, Lielani, Amira, Shauna, Trinity, Cash, Kayson, Luciana, Micah, and Bella; 3 great-grandchildren, Royal, Charlotte, and Zander; and his furry friends, Josie and Holly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Phillip Dvorak.
David graduated from EPCHS Class of 1958. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 17, where he played football, and later, re-enlisted as a Green Beret. He earned a bachelor's degree from Bradley University then graduated with his law degree from the University of Illinois in 1971, practicing law until he retired in 2014.
He was very athletic and enjoyed playing soccer and football, wrestling, skiing, riding motorcycles and scuba diving.
David loved God, his family, and his country. He was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria and was the leader of Foot Soldiers in Prayer on Fondulac Drive for over 10 years and part of Cursillo. He and Patty were involved in foster care and adoption for children with special needs, sponsored a Hmong family from a Laotian refugee camp, and David was named WEEK Father of the Year.
He treasured his ALS Support Groups and received ongoing care and encouragement from many CNAs over the years. The family would like to give special thanks to the Veteran's Administration and Joanne, Joanna, Tom, Paul, Ed, and Monica. David was passionate in his beliefs, and ALS may have robbed him of many things, but it never took away his ability to talk.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in East Peoria, with an additional visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Pastor Paul Hinzman will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.
Memorials may be made to Teen Challenge or GT Church (for the support of Israel). Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign David Dvorak's Guest Book

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October 30, 2023

Christopher Kozak posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2023

Carol Schmidt posted to the memorial.

October 23, 2023

Sally Rajkowski posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Christopher Kozak

October 30, 2023

I am a Special Adapted Housing Agent with the VA and David was the very first Veteran I ever worked with in helping to modify his home. A very special man and a very special family. Rest in peace you fellow Bohemian.

Carol Schmidt

October 24, 2023

I remember when Dave joined the law firm where I worked in the early 70's. The comment was made that we now had a MOM and a DAD -- Mel O. Moehle and David A. Dvorak. My best memory of working with Dave was when we were putting together a brief for the Appellate Court. We started at 7:30 a.m. Dave dictated the brief on a dictating machine and I transcribed. I remember telling him to slow down a bit so I could understand him better. I think my words were "just because you can talk fast doesn't mean I can type faster". We went through two additional edits of the brief, which was huge. I made the covers for the brief -- I think we made 13 copies. Dave and I assembled the brief with the covers, packaged them up, and took them to the Post Office at 11:00 p.m. They were postmarked less than an hour before the filing deadline. That's a day I will never forget. Dave was a delight to work for and a truly good person, in all aspects of his life and I consider myself very lucky to have known him.

Sally Rajkowski

October 23, 2023

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. May you be comforted knowing that David knew his Lord! I remember once when I was in the hospital and he visited me to pray with me! The nurses asked if he was my minister, he replied "no I am just a friend". What a great friend! He fought the good fight!

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Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - East Peoria

444 E. Washington Street, East Peoria, IL 61611

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Sign David Dvorak's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 30, 2023

Christopher Kozak posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2023

Carol Schmidt posted to the memorial.

October 23, 2023

Sally Rajkowski posted to the memorial.