Michael K. Horve's Obituary
Oakley – Michael K. Horve, 65, of Oakley, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 4, 2015 at Decatur Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family, after a seven year battle with cancer. He fought hard and never stopped making plans for the future. He was a humble man with a great sense of humor, a jack of all trades and master of many, who loved and cared for his family up until the day his battle ended.
Michael was born August 16, 1949 in Decatur to Kenneth R. and Margaret A. (Boland) Horve. Mike would go on to marry the love of his life and high school sweetheart from Lakeview High School, Martha K. Vogel on May 23, 1970. After high school, he graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1970. He was a past member of Decatur Homebuilders Association.
He had a great passion for life, finding joy in everything he did and possessed a work ethic that was unrivaled. Starting at the age of 8 years old, he would take on many jobs over the years, including Caterpillar and Firestone. During that time he would also start his own home building business, Mike Horve Builder, and developed a reputation amongst his peers and family as a man of great character and knowledge. He was often called upon to help solve the problems of others, which he would do without reserve or complaint, and usually with a smile on his face. He loved his hobbies, digging in the dirt with his bobcat with the precision of a surgeon, growing his apples and baking them into brown bag pies, making his famous peanut butter balls and fudge, working on his house and maintaining his pond; even finding time to get his pilot’s license. He was a tremendous friend, father and husband. He will be dearly missed.
Mike is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Martha K. Horve, his three sons, Rodney K. Horve, Chad M. Horve and Kevin E. Horve, all of Decatur; his brother, Steve R.(Odette) Horve of Forsyth; his sister, Carol A. Fisher of Decatur; mother – in-law, Norma Vogel of Decatur; two sister-in-laws, Kathy (Steve) Hengst and Karen (John) Svendson both of Decatur; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Forrest Vogel.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Michael K. Horve will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, take a family member or friend out for chicken fried steak or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family of Michael K. Horve is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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