Obituary: Sergio Chavez

Sergio “Jesse” Chavez, retired owner of Berkel Midwest Sales and Service and long-time resident of Lemont, died Feb. 6, 2020, at the age of 69. Sergio is survived by his wife Venita Chavez (nee Schurman), his children Paul, Sarah, Jovita, Edward and Anthony, their spouses, many grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; his siblings; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws and many nieces and nephews.

Sergio was born on April 26, 1950, to Toby and George Chavez. He left home and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After leaving the Navy, he worked for Berkel Incorporated, quickly moving up to the National Sales Manager. In 1997, along with his business partner, he started Berkel Midwest Sales and Service. They grew the business and ran five offices; Sergio retired in October 2019.

On Jan. 5, 1974, he married the love of his life Venita and they had four children, who then married and had children of their own. In 2019, Sergio welcomed his first great-granddaughter. Sergio was lovingly devoted to his family, they were his everything. Along with being an amazing husband, father and Papa, he also loved golfing, playing poker and traveling. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. March 1 at the Lemont Township, 16300 Alba, Lemont. There will be a tequila toast to honor Sergio at 2 p.m. and his eulogy will begin at 2:30 p.m. There will be finger foods and beverages served as well. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in the name of Sergio to a group of your choice that supports veterans or the VA hospital.