The Honorable William Edward Alexa, 85, of Venice, Florida, and formerly of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Born June 20, 1941, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Edward Charles and Rita Florence (Gehrke) Alexa, Bill lived a life marked by devotion—to his family, to his community, and to the people he served with integrity and compassion.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Bill served from 1962 to 1964. After his military service, he followed a calling that would shape the rest of his life. He graduated from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1973, beginning a distinguished career rooted in fairness, humility, and a genuine love of people.
From 1975 to 1978, Bill served as Porter County Deputy and Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. In 1988, he was elected to the Indiana State Senate, faithfully representing the Fifth District for fourteen years. During his tenure, Senator Alexa served on the Judiciary Committee, the State Budget Committee, the Commission on Courts, and the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Military. He co-authored the legislation establishing the Indiana Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs, reflecting his lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
In 2002, Bill continued his service as Judge, Porter County Superior Court 2, where he was known for his fairness, steady presence, and respect for the people who came before him. Colleagues and community members often said he “enjoyed the work, and he enjoyed people,” a simple truth that captured his spirit more than any title could.
Throughout his career, Bill received numerous honors, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, awarded by Governor Frank O’Bannon, and the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion of Indiana. Yet for all his accomplishments, Bill remained humble. More than any accolade, he cherished his role as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His greatest joy was found in family gatherings, shared stories, and the everyday moments that filled his home with love.
On November 6, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, Joyce Flinn, who survives him. Together they built a life anchored in love, partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Bill is also survived by their children, Catherine Alexa and Daniel (Erika) Alexa, and his beloved granddaughters, Haley, Hannah, and Emma Alexa, who brought him endless pride and happiness. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mary “Molly” Flowers, Carol Pokorny, and Robert Alexa.
Bill’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—through his service, his kindness, and the quiet strength with which he carried himself. He was a member of St. Paul Cathoilc Church, where he was involved and volunteered in many capacities including being a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for how he lived: with honor, humility, and a generous heart. He was one of a kind, and if you knew him, you knew he was always “Handsome, Dashing, Debbonaire, Courageous, and Bold”!
Visitation will be held on August 20, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 PM with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 21st at 10:30 AM directly at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso. Burial will follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valpo Parks Foundation or The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul at St. Paul Catholic Church.
GUESTBOOK
Dear Joyce, we are deeply saddened that you have had to endure such a profound loss. You and Bill were both always such welcoming, kind, and pleasant people to us. We remember with great warmth how you helped us settle in and feel more confident after our move. Your husband will always remain in our memories as a wonderful, kind-hearted, and caring person. We wish you and your family strength, peace of mind, and the support of loved ones during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences. -Emma and Slava Fuzaylov
Dear Mrs. Alexa, I am deeply saddened to hear of the Judge's passing. It was a true honor to work alongside both of you on his campaign, where I witnessed firsthand his integrity, dedication, and tireless commitment to public service. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the entire family during this difficult time. -Robin Winston, Former Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party During the Term of Governor Frank O'Bannon
Mrs Alexa, Cathy, Dan, and family, Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of Mr. Alexa. I was so deeply saddened to hear this news. There are so many memories of the times our families spent together, especially through my lifelong friendship with Cathy. I genuinely enjoyed the opportunities to visit with you and Mr. Alexa's friendly greeting of "Hi ya Jen!!" always warmed my heart. He so kindly helped my Mom (back in Jefferson Park) get to the ER after a bee sting back in the 1960s, while he was in between classes at VU Law School, and my Dad was at work. Time was critical for her, and he jumped right in to give her the help she needed, as 9-1-1 didn't exist at that time. So thankful he touched our lives that day and so many others. May you each find peace and comfort in the many happy and precious times you shared with one another. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and I will continue to keep you close to my heart in the coming days and weeks ahead. -Jennifer Pilarski
Please accept my most sincere condolences. For my entire life, Bill was a family friend who was spoken of warmly, respectfully, and with admiration. Bill was law partners with my Granda Leo Clifford long ago. He was a good friend to my Grandma beyond Grandpa's passing. He was so kind to drive to Michigan City to officiate my sister's wedding. My every memory is he is a good family friend who shows up and betters his community. He lived a life intentionally to be remembered fondly. He was in my thoughts as I have just moved back to Valparaiso. Sadly after only a week back, I heard his name called in the prayer intentions during mass this past Sunday. Please accept my warmest thoughts to his entire family. The Lord most certainly got a good soul back. -Jill M Van Wienen
Dear Joyce, Cathy, Dan, Erika and Family, Please accept our deepest condolences on Bill's passing. He represented to me a model of someone who did everything right. He had that unique quality of leadership and the ability to never take himself too seriously. From his days on the Park Board to his time in the Senate and ultimately his time on the bench he was always true to his task. He meant a lot to me as a young lawyer trying to find my way. He was always generous with his time. I learned much from him along the way. He was someone to be admired yet never came across as unapproachable. Quite to the contrary, he was always just one of the guys. A part of his disposition was his terrific sense of humor. He always had a joke or a funny anecdote to share. We can all learn that from Bill. Sometimes all we can do in this world is laugh. A smile, grin or a laugh is what I will always remember about Bill. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace my friend. -Brian and Cyndi Hurley
