'I Believe He Knows I Am There,' Jodie LaVoie Says As Husband Continues Recovery

The LaGrange man shot by a demoted co-worker in his Loop office last month celebrated his 55th birthday in the hospital on Sunday.

Steve LaVoie has been recovering from gunshot wounds in the head and stomach at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Lavoie’s wife, Jodie, noted on the Caring Bridge website that her husband is looking more like himself.

“He no longer needs many of the tubes and machines that have been with him,” she wrote. “Without all of his previous encumberments, I can easily kiss him on the cheek.”

It was also the couple’s daughters’ first time seeing their dad since he was shot on July 31.

“Yesterday, they each made him a Build A Bear that represents their different personalities. Each bear also has a recording in their voice with a message to Steve. It is heart rendering,” Jodie wrote.

LaVoie was allegedly shot by another executive upset about being demoted in an office at the Bank of America building on LaSalle Street. Tony DeFrances, also a long-time friend, then turned the gun on himself and took his own life, police said.

LaVoie’s wife has since been serving as the interim CEO at ArrowStream, a technology company founded by LaVoie.

Jodie LaVoie asked for friends’ and family members’ continued prayers for her husband’s recovery.

Their legion of supporters also posted their birthday wishes on Caring Bridge, which has allowed the LaVoies’ to keep other family members and friends apprised on LaVoie’s recovery through an online journal.

“I believe he knows I am there. Please keep praying. It is helping,” Jodie LaVoie said.

» Caring Bridge: Visit the page for Steven LaVoie on Caring Bridge