Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home and Cremation, 80 E Burlington Street, Riverside, IL (2026)

10/19/2026

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Wayne Sceles, who left us on September 28, 2026. Born on June 4, 1952, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, John was the cherished son of the late John Donald and Gertrude Louise Cote Sceles. His life was a testament to dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to family and friends John's professional life was marked by an impressive 49-year career at the Chicago Tribune, where he served as a newspaper driver. His tenure with the Tribune was not just a job but a passion that he carried with pride. A dedicated union steward and secretary-treasurer for local 706, John was a steadfast advocate for his colleagues, always striving to ensure their voices were heard and their rights protected. In December of 2018, John married the love of his life, Susan Schaefer, known to most as Sue. Their union was a beautiful testament to love's enduring power, and together they built a life filled with warmth and joy. John was a devoted father to his children, Magen Carlson ( Jeff), Clinton, and Hanna (Ross). His legacy continues through them, and in the bright smiles of his three adored grandchildren, most notably Valerie, who brought a smile to his face and a tug to his heart . John was not only a loving husband, father, and grandfather but also a beloved friend. His circle of friends, too numerous to list, was a testament to his caring and generous nature. Known for his unspoken kindness, directness, and unmatched sense of humor, John had the unique ability to bring laughter and comfort to those around him. In his leisure time, John had a particular fondness for his Excalibur and Chrysler, a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship and adventure. His hobbies reflected his vibrant personality and his zest for life. A service to celebrate John's life will be held on November 7, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Friends and family are invited to gather at Ivins/Moravecek, located at 80 E Burlington St, Riverside, IL 60546, to honor a man whose life was defined by love, laughter, and a deep sense of community

10/19/2026

John Lawrence Casey Sr., age 88, a resident of Huntley, IL and former longtime resident of Riverside, IL passed away late on October 13, 2026. John is survived by his son John Jr. (Susan)
of Trinidad and Tobago, and his daughter Kathleen Lerner (Ken) of Wilmette, IL; his granddaughters Jill and Lindsay Lerner, Hannah and Serena Casey; grandsons Nathan Lerner,
Jonathan and Lawrence Casey. He is survived by sister Samyann Masson (Mark) of Chicago, brother Samuel “Tim” Casey (Pam) of Marshfield, MO and sister Bonnae Casey of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Gloria with whom he enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
He was also preceded by his parents Samuel Casey and Gwyneth (Chapman) Casey.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1938. The eldest of three boys, John and his brothers Dana nd Ralph led an itinerant childhood living in various Chicago area neighborhoods. The boys
attended numerous schools/institutions including Central Baptist Children's Home and Bishop Quarter Military Academy. As a teenager John attended St Ignatius High School and graduated
from St Benedicts High School in Chicago.

He earned his degree in Accounting and Finance from DePaul University in 1964 and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1970.

Following university, John proved adept at balancing his roles as a husband, father, breadwinner, and caregiver. Over the years he worked as a railroad switchman, a bookkeeper, accountant, entrepreneur, financial comptroller, and executive vice president. He did all this while raising children and caring for extended family members.

As a devout Catholic, John demonstrated his faith through his unselfish gifts of time, money and effort in the care of others. In his later years, his faith and circumstances demanded more attention in the care of his in-laws. They greatly appreciated the steady and silent support he gave to their care and well-being.

Finally, John was passionate about reading, investments, classical music and his grandchildren.

Over the years, he and Gloria also enjoyed singing choral music with their DePaul University friends.

If his life had a theme song, he would have been Vivaldi's Four Seasons. We will never forget you, Dad. Rest in peace.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 23rd from 8:30 am. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 East Burlington. Riverside, Il. A funeral mass shall take place at 11 am on Friday, October 23rd at
St. Mary Catholic Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside followed by entombment ceremony at Queen of Heaven in Hillside. There will be a luncheon to celebrate his life following the cemetery ceremony.
For further information, call Kathleen (John & Gloria's daughter) at 847-302-2399.

10/19/2026

Esmeralda Moore, 78 of Stickney, formerly the South Side of Chicago at rest October 16, 2026,

Retired U.S. Army Corps, beloved wife for 57 years of the late Michael David Moore; loving daughter of the late William and the late Jenny Campos; devoted mother of Jennifer Moore, Michael (Tonia) Moore, Charity (Albert) Haga and Amada Moore; dearest Grandma of Zachary and Joshua Sanders, Michael Moore, Matthew and Phoenix Haga; dear sister of Frances (David) Vargas, Vicki (Chet) Orendorff, Rudy and Daniel (Christina) Campos and the late David Campos, late Juanita “Macy” Stevenson and the late Sylvia “Via” Campos; fond aunt of many. Esmeralda after high school graduation Served in the U.S. Army Corps for many years after her discharge she spent 40 years working for the Social Security Administration. Visitation Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4 to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday 9:00 a.m. till time of prayer services at 9:40 a.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home 80 E. Burlington St. Riverside, going to St. Mary Church, Riverside for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment and Military Honors at St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park.

Funeral Info at www.moravecek.com or 708-447-2261.

10/19/2026

Vicky Vogel loved people. Especially babies.

She cherished her role as matriarch. Mother to 6. Grandmother to 17, and great-grandmother to 4.

Vicky was bright and curious. She appreciated hearing about people’s lives, and her calm, soothing presence was sought after. There was something about Vicky that made people feel accepted and comfortable to share and ask for her sage advice.

Vicky could strike up a conversation with anyone. One day, standing at the school bus stop in Minneapolis, she began a conversation with another mother that led to a community of lifelong friends for more than 60 years.

Vicky touched so many lives. She was especially proud of her work providing child care in her home so she could support working mothers and their families.

She was a keeper and collector. She collected antique books and had a legendary glass juicer display.

She loved high tea, an amaretto stone sour, as well as a quarter-pounder with cheese.

She had a dry, quirky sense of humor.

Her laughter was infectious, and one of the most magical feelings was being in her company when she lost her stoic composure.

Even as she lay dying, she quipped, “Is it crazy to think the last days of your life could be fun?”

Vicky was part of an epic 56-year-long relationship with the love of her life, William Walter Vogel, or Bill. Married at 18, she had 6 kids by 28. She opened her home and loved to entertain and welcome her friends, her children’s friends, and nieces and nephews. She was an active member of the Riverside Presbyterian Church. Life was busy and challenging at times. Yet, she was always creating fun and comfort where she could. Her cinnamon rolls, French toast, molasses cookies, and fried chicken dinners cured what ailed you.

She and her family have deep gratitude to her sister, Kay, for her loving care and support over the past 8 years.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, as well as her son Will Vogel and his wife Susanne. Vicky is survived by her sisters Kay Kappelmann and Karla (Mike) Becker, and five children: Henry (Debbie) Vogel, Victoria “Ginger” (Keith) Schander, Annie Vogel (Tim Heilenbach), Rachel Vogel (Michael Forseth), and Amanda (Paul) Wright. She adored her 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

VictorIa Sue Vogel loved this life and did not want to say goodbye to the people she loved dearly. Some of her last words invoked the need for more kindness and love in this world.

In lieu of flowers, please open your heart and show someone love and kindness today.

Vicky would love that

Funeral info 708-447-2261 or www.moravecek.com

10/19/2026

Allen Balk, devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, suddenly passed away on September 25, 2026.

Allen lived his life with devotion to his family, pride in his heritage, and satisfaction from a job well done. Whether he was restoring a car, tackling a home improvement project, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Allen brought passion, determination, and an unmistakable personality to everything.

Above all, Allen was a devoted family man. He shared his life with his beloved wife, Lori, and was immensely proud of their daughter, Dana. Watching Dana build a life of her own with her husband, Carter, brought Allen great happiness and pride. His family was at the center of his life, and his love for them could be seen in the countless ways he supported, helped, and cared for them over the years.

Allen was also a loving and devoted son to his mother, Philomena, and brother to his recently departed sister, Rosie. Their bond was built over a lifetime of love, shared memories, and family. Allen's loss has left an immeasurable absence.

Allen is survived by his wife, Lori; his daughter, Dana, and her husband, Carter; his mother, Philomena; his sister, Joanne; his nephew, Aidan; and many loving cousins, extended family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemarie "Rosie" Balk.

Visitation will be Friday, October 9 from 4:00-8:00p.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E Burlington Street, Riverside, IL Saturday, October 10th at 10:30a, Funeral Mass, St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside, IL

10/19/2026

Rosemarie Balk, devoted mother, loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2026.

Rosie was an inspiration: overcoming every challenge head on with Sheridan-style determination, wisdom and passion.

Rosie was born in Chicago and remained in the same area her entire life. She excelled in academics and earned a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees from University of Illinois. Her intellectual curiosity led her to the world of health care, where she built a successful career as an inquisitive market researcher by distilling complex problems into actionable data.

Her intelLect was surpassed only by her boundless heart. She cherished and was devoted to her only son, Aidan. She was a supportive daughter to her mother, Philomena. Rosie touched the lives of many with her profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature, and sharp wit. Most of all, Rosie will be remembered for her boundless dedication and support to those she loved and grace for those who failed her.

Rosie is survived by her mother, Philomena, sister Joanne, brother Allen, sister-in-law Lori, and niece, Dana, son Aidan, Aidan’s father, Keith, and many supportive cousins and friends.

A visitation and Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 starting at 9:30 a.m. till time of the Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 105 Herrick Road, Riverside, Illinois. A reception will follow at La Barra, 2 E. Burlington Road, Riverside, Illinois. All are welcome to celebrate Rosie.

10/02/2026

Allen Balk, devoted husband, loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, suddenly passed
away on September 25, 2026.

Allen lived his life with devotion to his family, pride in his heritage, and satisfaction from a job
well done. Whether he was restoring a car, tackling a home improve...

09/23/2026

Rosemarie Balk, devoted mother, loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at home on September 19, 2026.

Rosie was an inspiration: overcoming every challenge head on with Sheridan-style determination, wisdom and passion.

Rosie was born in Chicago and remained i...

08/31/2026

David Christ, of Cicero passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 26, 2026, devoted sweetheart and husband of 63 years to the late Lois Ann; loving father of Bonnie (late Byron) Anderson, David Christ and Victoria (late Joseph) Goodwin; dearest grandfather of Brett (Sara) Anderson, Brittney (Kevin) McAvoy, Carson and Madison Christ; beloved great grampa of Cameron, Theo, Emerson, Noah, Avery and Lois. David and Lois were the longtime owners of Tenmor Lounge in Cicero.

08/26/2026

Mark A. Chavez, 70 passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at his home in Berwyn, devoted husband of Maritza; loving father of
Ana(Jayme) Guido and Mark,JR (Liz) Chavez; dearest grandfather of Joshua, Wylder, Julian, Danny, Ari, Lalaine, Destiny, Jacob, Noelani and Sarai; dear brother of Abel Diaz.

Visitation Monday, August 31, 2026 from 3 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. till time of services at 10:30 a.m. at Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home, 80 E. Burlington Street, Riverside. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery Funeral info at 708-447-2261 or www.moravecek.com.

Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home and Cremation

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

10/02/2026

09/23/2026

08/31/2026

08/26/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request