Obituary (from the Herald and Review)

William J. "Bill" Horve
DECATUR - Capt. William J. "Bill" Horve, 50, of Decatur passed away Thursday April 30, 2009 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Bill was born January 30, 1959 in Decatur, IL the son of Bill and Regina Schaub Horve. He was a 1977 graduate of Eisenhower High School. Bill attended Richland Community College to further his education in fire fighting. Bill was a Navy Veteran serving from 1977-1981 on the nuclear submarine the Ulysses S. Grant. On October 21, 1987 he married Denise S. Luxa. On October 27, 1996 he became the father of the greatest miracle of his life, Andrea N. Horve.

Bill was hired by the fire department on July 15, 1985. Bill advanced to the rank of Captain during his twenty four years of service on the Decatur Fire Department. Recently, Bill's crew received an award from the city of Decatur for their heroic efforts on September 21, 2008 rescuing an unconscious fire victim and saving her life.

Bill was a member of the National Firefighters Honor Guard, the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association, the American Motorcycle Association, DPC Precision Racing team, and a lifetime member of the United States Judo Association. Bill had many hobbies and interests that included religiously staying in shape by doing the naval seal workout, vintage motorcycle racing, mountain climbing, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Bears fan, traveling, and relaxing with family, friends and cold imported beverages.

Bill is survived by his wife Denise; daughter: Andrea Nicole Horve of Decatur parents Bill and Regina Horve; sister: Nicole M. Horve and companion Brenda VanEman of Decatur; grandmother: Ardith Horve of Decatur; brother in law: Keith Luxa and fiancé Kim Longwill of Decatur; sister in laws: Carol Dennis and husband Tony of Herrick and Lisa Lee and husband Joseph of Decatur; nieces and nephews: Kaleb Lee, Shelby Dennis, Korey Lee, Logan Dennis and Kyle Lee. Bill also leaves behind extended family and many friends whom we will always cherish for their love and support. Bill was preceded in death by his grandfather Wilbert Horve, grandparents Wilhelm and Elfriede Schaub, mother and father in law Nancy and Wilfred Luxa, uncle Wilhelm Schaub.

Services to celebrate Bill's life will be 10:00 AM Tuesday May 5, 2009 at First Christian Church of Decatur, 3350 N. MacArthur Rd. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Monday evening May 4, 2009 at the church. Dawson & Wikoff West Wood St. Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family via email at www.dawson-wikoff.com Family suggest memorials to Capt. William J. Horve Scholarship Fund c/o Richland Community College Fire Science at One College Park Decatur, IL 62621 or the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) c/o of St. John's Children's Hospital 800 E. Carpenter Springfield, IL 62769

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the entire Decatur Fire Department, the DMH Staff – Karen Schneller, Sharon Sekosky, Adrian, Jason, Brandon, Kris, Becky and Kathy for their tremendous support to our family. Bill will continue to live through others by his donation to the Gift of Hope Organ Donation. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp