Funeral Details

David Loren Heidorn, 68, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 13, 2023. For the past eighteen months, Dave suffered with Bulbar-onset ALS. He faced the diagnosis with courage and grace. He did not want his fate to be seen as a tragedy. “This will make us better people,” he told his family, and he was right.

Dave was born in Chicago and lived there until the age of five. His parents then moved to Park Ridge where he attended elementary and high school. He attended Valparaiso University (1976) where he majored in English and developed a lifelong love of literature, language and writing. Dave moved to New Orleans after college to teach at Lutheran High School. He always retained a love for the city and its culture, particularly the spirit of Mardi Gras. He returned to Valparaiso University to obtain a law degree, after which he worked in legislative affairs for various professional organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Safety Professionals. He retired four years ago and was able to enjoy traveling to Europe and the Middle East before his diagnosis.

Dave was a man of many interests and talents. He was a lawyer, theologian, writer, poet, painter, traveler and Sox fan. He loved literature, art, music, men's fashion and New Orleans. He continuously challenged those around him to think, create, be different and always approach problems with honesty even when that was not the easy thing to do. He made the world a better, more interesting place and we were lucky to have known him and to have loved him dearly.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; children Zoe (Mitch), Emma and Sam, the Chicago area; a brother, Mark (Priscilla) Heidorn of Tallahassee, Florida; and his two-year-old grandson, Ole David, whom he loved immensely. His memory also lives on with his many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Loraine Freise and Raymond Heidorn of Chicago, and a brother, James (Janet) Heidorn of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A funeral at Irving Park Lutheran Church, 3938 West Belle Plaine Avenue, Chicago, will be held on Friday, February 17, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation Thursday, February 16, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Midtown Funeral Homes, 3918 West Irving Park Road, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the ALS Association of Greater Chicago Chapter, 5315 North Clark Street, #650, Chicago, 60640.

Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com