Submit a PhotoStephen Anthony Hovorka, age 53 unexpectedly passed away at home in his sleep on Nov 23, 2020. Steve was born on June 21, 1967 in CA and moved to Silver Lake, WI when he was 8. He grew up living on the lake, fishing, swimming, boating, and playing hockey. He excelled in every sport he played, baseball and football were his favorites. He met his wife Allison in 1984 and they have been inseparable for the past 35 years. They have been married since 1988. Always the protector, knight in shinning armor, a husband who gave before he took. There were good times and bad, but there was never a doubt of their love for one another. Through thick and thin they raised 4 children. Nicholas, Alexis, Anthony and Jake. They buried their infant son Samuel Alexander in 1996. Family has always been everything to Steve, family came before anything else. He worked hard so that they could do all the things they wanted. Steve loved watching them grow and play sports, and play concerts; he was their biggest and loudest fan. He was so proud of them, loving them unconditionally, always pushing them to do better and try harder. He was the proud grandfather of 3; Tatum, Olivia and Alexander. He loved playing with them and giving them treats when their parents said no. He couldn’t wait to start teaching them how to play t-ball, fish and all the other fun things grandpas do.
After 28 years of service as a Police Officer Steve retired in 2017. He was an amazing officer who cared about the people and communities he worked in, always fair and kind. “My job is to serve and protect not serve and collect” is something he would say. More warnings less citations.
Steve became seriously ill in August and was in and out of the hospital for 21 days throughout September. After successful surgeries and procedures he was doing great – back at the gym working out with his buddies, relaxing, remodeling his home, working in the yard, enjoying the kids and grandkids watching his almighty Packers and enjoying retirement life. His death is a total shock. It was cardiac related.
Steve’s sense of humor and big personality was contagious. He made friends wherever he went. Everybody loved him because of how real he was; open and honest, living life to the fullest and never backing down. He was one of a kind and loved by many. His death is a huge loss, he was our Superman – a man of steel with a heart of gold.
Steve is survived by his wife Allison; children Nicholas, Alexis, Anthony and Jake; grandchildren Tatum, Olivia and Alexander; Tatum’s father Trent, Olivia & Alexander’s mother Heather; brother Eric and his mother Cristine. He was also survived by his siblings Roni, Kim, John (April), Loretta (Mike), Jimmy, Tobby, Vicki (Mike), Frank Jr., Kelly; his brother in law Lee (Keith); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Samuel Alexander, mother in-law LaVerne, stepfather Hank, birth father Frank, sister Missy, and his grandparents.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday Dec 2nd at Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85297. Open viewing is from 11-1 Eulogy begins at 12:00. Please feel free to wear green, gold or even your own favorite team jersey. Steve always loved a good rivalry.
A Reception will follow from 1:00-3:30 at The Cottage Wedding Venue 535 S. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296.
Please join us for some food and drinks and to celebrate what an amazing man Steve was. Please RSVP The Hovorka Family for capacity purposes.
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Never met a man who was so caring and kind and helped so many. Will be greatly missed by so many. RIP Steve
I am so so sorry for what you and your family are going through praying for a little sense of healing
Allison, Nick, Alexis, Anthony, & Jake,
Steve was an amazing man! His hugs always made me smile. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Love, Andrea, Morgan, & Jenna
Dear Allison
Our Thoughts and Prayers are With you and your Family at this Difficult Time in your lives.
I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. We remember your family fondly from your short time at Emmons School in Antioch. I only had the pleasure of meeting Steve through school but knew how important his family was to him. Again, so sorry for your loss! So many prayers for you and your family. Carole Delany
We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family.
We are very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences to family and friends of this beloved patriarch of this wonderful family. It is an honor for me to officiate the service on Wednesday. Blessings to you.
When we were first introduced to the Horvorka family by our son Mike Jr., we were overwhelmed with the enormous love Steve showed for family and friends. Steve always left a grand impression when he was in your presence and we always enjoyed a little rivalry when we happened to be watching Green Bay and the Patriots together. Such a happy, fun and loving person that we had the pleasure to have known.
Our heart-felt condolences to his family, Allison, Nick, Alexis, Anthony and Jake, you will be on our thoughts and prayers.
Always, Michael, Joy, Mikey and Brandon.
To the Hovorka Family I am saddened and so very sorry to hear the passing of Steve. Steve was a great man. I remember coming over to the home of your family many times and feeing so welcomed by him and Allison. I loved to talk to Steve about his career and listening to his stories. Swimming in the pool, drinking beers and show and tell with his service weapon. So many good times at the Hovorka Residence. I will never forget Steve. Rest In Peace Brother.
I will never forget Steve. He was so proud of his family. And loved you all dearly. It’s Sunday football Steve!
It was an honor to work as an officer with Steve. He was gentle and kind with the people and situations that came his way. Coming from Minnesota I was not used to the extreme heat !!!! Steve would always be there with a cooler full of ice cold water no matter where the officers were at. He was there at the calls and we could depend on him no matter what the situation was. Steve was so proud of his children sharing stories as they were growing up, along with his huge love for Allison.
Steve had an awesome sense of humor that would make our crew laugh until we cried.
My heart felt condolences to your family, he will be very much missed.
Deborah Hemshrot
My entire family want to extend our sincerest condolences to the family. In my time working with Steve, he was always one of quite demeanor, and the unexpected comical quip, but always with the straight, serious expression. He, as you know, was a man of honor, and integrity, with selfless devotion to his family, and is solely missed here, however Heaven has indeed garnered another angel. Ms. Allison, Nick, Alexis, Anthony and Jake, each of you are in my thoughts, and prayers. With our deepest regrets, and steadfast devotion to each of you. Ted, Bonnie, Brandon, and Regina
I worked with Steve at the police department. Steve and I had so many conversations over the years and the job we were doing. I was always taken back by all the people Steve knew in “his beat”. You see, to Steve the job of being a police officer was so much more than tickets, warnings, or other statistical figures. To Steve, the job of being a police officer was taking care of people. I know his family knows what that means because that was the essence of who he was. You see Steve really cared about people, not numbers! He was the kind of police officer that you would want patrolling your neighborhood, because he knew everyone, was always fair and always had a nice greeting as long as you were apart of that neighborhood. Everywhere I went, so many residents asked me about Officer Hovorka and how he was doing, he really left a favorable impression on so many. Steve always made the uniform look great, as he took great pride in his appearance.
But most of all our conversations always turned to family. Steve loved his family more than anything including his Packers! I always heard the latest about what was going on with Allison and the kids. He left no stone unturned when it came to talking about his family, just like he cared for the people in his beat. Steve had a gift when it came to humor. He could turn the most boring subject into something funny.
Hovorka family, I only met you guys, once or twice; I am probably telling you something you already know. But know this, even when not in your presence, Steve was thinking, talking and bragging about all of you everyday. My deepest sympathy to all of Steve’s family and may God Bless each one of you.
Alan
Steve was a happy, funny person who cared about those around him. He was so proud of his family and I know he loved his wife and children so much. Steve had the ability to make you laugh and always had one more joke or funny story to tell. Steve was so happy when his beloved Packers Beat My Steeler’s In the Super Bowl, he never let me forget that Packers win.
RIP Steve
I offer my condolences to Allison and the entire family. May you find strength and peace in your love and memoires of Steve. God Bless You All..
Steve was one of the first people I met when starting at the PV police department. He always made me laugh and was always there to bust my chops or lend a hand. Rest in peace brother. Thank you for your service. Thoughts and prayers are with you, your families and friends.
I had the pleasure of meeting Steve over the phone. He called for an interview with the security company I work for. I remember when he said his last name, I asked if he was a viking. He said no I’m a packer fan and a retired cop. I started giving him a hard time about being a packer fan. He laughed. After he came in for his interview, I got to meet him in. My boss introduced us and I said “oh you’re the viking cop.” He laughed and from that day, I always referred to him as the viking cop. My prayers are with his family and he will be missed.