Michael Ray Chavez, Sr.

Michael Ray Chavez, Sr., 69, of Geneseo, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019, at his residence.  Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Deacon Harley Chaffee will officiate.  Memorial visitation will be held 10 – 11 on Friday, May 17, 2019, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to Maple City Cruisers and Hammond Henry Hospital Foundation.

Michael was born on December 1, 1949, the son of Ramon and Loretta (Plasschaert) Chavez, in Geneseo.  He married Margaret Nelson on July 18, 1969, at St. Pius Church, Rock Island.  Michael graduated from Geneseo High School in 1968.  He was employed previously at Hedman & Anderson Lumber Yard, Payless Cashway and Lowes.  He was a member of the Maple City Cruisers, Mustang Club of America, and St. Malachy Catholic Church. He enjoyed woodworking, attending car shows, loved his dog Petie and enjoyed walking him every day.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret; son, Michael (Mercy) Chavez Jr., Geneseo; daughter, Meredith (Andrew) Holt, Geneseo; grandchildren, Georgina Schmidt, Mannheim, Germany, Kenny Chavez, Galesburg, Justine Chavez, Earlinger, KY, April Kelley – Chavez, Geneseo, Isabella Chavez, Geneseo; great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Mannheim, Germany, Liam, Earlinger, KY; mother, Loretta Chavez, Geneseo; sisters, Linda (Roger) Mapes, Cambridge, Toni (Barry) Hunter, Davenport.