David A. Dvorak

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.