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TIMOTHY CERVANTES Obituary

Timothy J. Cervantes, born May 24, 1969, taken Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, loving son of Daniel and Jane Cervantes; grandson to Beatrice Spence; sisters Julie (Lou) Morelli and Kelly Cervantes; brother Joseph Cervantes (Mary); nephews Kodi, Louis and Jake; nieces Madison and Aubrey; leaves behind loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his dog, "Dutchie." We remember his unselfishness, giving, protective and loving heart. A brilliant, talented and passionate writer. Worked with officials of Republican Party. Crusader for the underdog and weak. Cherished his nieces and nephews like they were his own. He will be loved forever. He will join grandparents Ralph and Helen Cervantes and Gerard Spence. Mass 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009 at St. Peter Church, 1891 Kaneville Rd., Geneva, IL, 630-232-0124. Contact, 847-924-5504.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for TIMOTHY CERVANTES

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September 10, 2012

My thoughts were of you yesterday.

May 24, 2012

Happy Birthday in heaven to my beautiful son.
You are in my heart and soul.

Jane Cervantes

February 3, 2012

My Son,

Mother

gloria stovall

November 25, 2011

i was very blessed to have been able to grow up in palatine, specifically, prairie brook apartments, where i met the cervantes family, mr. and mrs. cervantes, tim, julie, kelly, and joe. i was only a child when i first met tim, and what i remember most about him is his smile and how nice he was to me. whenever i saw him at the pool in the summer, he would always smile at me. it has been many years since i last saw tim, but even so, i still remember his smile and how nice he was to me. there is so much i have taken for granted, and if i could go back in time, i would have done a better job at keeping in touch with tim and the rest of the cervantes family. only the lord knows when it is going to be our last day, so we have to all do a better job at keeping in touch with our friends, family, and loved ones. i just wanted to tell the cervantes family that the lord is with you, and he will comfort you. i love you all and will be faithfully praying for you. be strong in the lord.

September 9, 2011

Two years today since you left us. You are in my heart forever, love you my beautiful son.
Mother

Diane Ahola

August 14, 2011

Dear Jane and family,

How my heart hurts for all of you in only recently learning of Tim's passing. I remember him from many years ago and he struck me as a very passionate, profound young man. I sm sorry I did not know him better as reading these many remembrances of him, how his life touched the hearts of so many people. I pray for the Lord's comfort to all Tim's family and friends. "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you...."--Isaiah 66:13
The Lord's peace to you all,
Diane Ahola

I remember this as if it were yesterday, holding you in my arms. Mother

Jane Cervantes

June 19, 2011

Melissa Brubaker

June 10, 2011

Tim was probably the most passionate person I ever have known. He was so brave. Standing and reading his poetry. And so much fun. We spent time together while he was in Arizona. I never forgot him and started seeking him out on the social networks, and found him here. You don't need me to tell you how very blessed you were and still are. God bless

February 27, 2011

It's been a week now since I learned of Tim's passing. I'm still in shock and disbelief knowing I won't be able to talk to him anymore or read his poetry. My
adolesense was shaped in part by my
friendship with Tim and JC in Vestal. This
carried through college. I hope someday to speak to JC but wanted to express my deepest and sincere condolenses to everyone. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa (Casparis) Kaufman

January 21, 2011

Hey Tim,
Not much time goes by that I don't think about you. Just giving you a hug and a shout out. You were an amazing human being. I will never forget you. I still hurt from the accident we were in. So I guess I will always be reminded of you. Save a tee time for me in your heaven paradise.
Peace bro and xo's,
Dr. David Bailey
Chicago

Lisa Frauens

September 9, 2010

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. God bless all of you on this day of remembrance.

Rose Luz

September 7, 2010

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered "come with me." With tearful eyes I watched you, and saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, God broke my heart to prove to me, ...he only takes the best. Your family and friends love and miss you so. I never got the chance to meet you, but through your family, I recognize how great of a brother and son you were. Your love from them will keep your memory alive forever.

Rose Luz

August 25, 2010

My brother...your legacy grows and lives stronger every day. The lives you touched...I am so proud of you. I miss you in the worst way. I believe when you left this world, part of my heart died forever...but the part that is still beating will carry you in it forever. God Love You...God only deserves you. I love you Timothy Joseph Cervantes...my children LOVE you...Kodi, Mom, Dad, Kelly, Joey...Everybody LOVES YOU....Beautiful You. Julie Poolie (Fat Alberts girlfriend...yeah you always got me with that!!!) Peace.

July 24, 2010

Uncle Tim i miss you so much!
Love you and always will
<3 maddie

Matt Webber

July 17, 2010

To Cervantes family,
I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. It is very hard for me to put into words, but Tim was my long time personal friend. I will miss him dearly.

Matt Webber Hebron, IL.

May 9, 2010

On this first Mother's Day without you, I mourn your soft sensitive voice and giving spirit. I know you are watching over all of us, not only your
family but your loving friends. I know you are gently guiding anyone you feel is in need. I will forever know how blessed I was to be your mother.
What a wonderful day it was to bring you into the world. I was blessed to find you when you left this world as well. You have never left me as you are part of my heart and soul. I love you my precious child.

Mother

Jane Cervantes

May 9, 2010

On this first Mother's Day without you, I mourn your soft sensitive voice and giving spirit. I know you are watching over all of us, not only your
family but your loving friends. I know you are gently guiding anyone you feel is in need. I will forever know how blessed I was to be your mother.
What a wonderful day it was to bring you into the world. I was blessed to find you when you left this world as well. You have never left me as you are part of my heart and soul. I love you my precious child.

Mother

Brian Schofield

February 28, 2010

Dear Cervantes family,

Although I only knew Tim for a short period in his life, he will be remembered by me as a passionate individual who truely cared about the things important to him, his family. Many people knew him, but few, I believe, knew how complex and caring he truely was. He really cared about his sisters and always wanted them to be protected even if it was him who had to do it. Tim will sadly be missed, but the memories of how care free he could be will put a smile on my face when I think of him. To be so young and so much going for him, is truely tragic.

Kodi Tims nephew and tim(:

February 26, 2010

Dutchie Doo(: Tims baby girl

February 26, 2010

Tanja Peglow

November 5, 2009

I send my sincere condolences for the family and friends from germany.

Tim, thank god we could see us again in 2007... after all that time.... and may the candle show you the way through the darkness (peglow solace!)

Jeffrey Judd

October 18, 2009

My sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of my best friend Tim.

Tim had so many facets, and anyone who knew him was both puzzled and amazed. Tim was truly one of the brightest stars in the sky that was forever fighting against the impenetrable darkness when the sun was on the other side of the earth, at rest, like all of God’s creations are required to do at some time.

I knew Tim as a comrade in the adventure of life, our adventures were beyond the beyond and alone could fill volumes, and I was always aware that with Tim I shared in only one chapter of a compendium of living and experiences that could fill an infinite library of lifetimes for a star that shone even slightly dimmer.

Tim is the only person that I have ever known that could almost simultaneously make me feel a spectrum of human emotion, and then leave me with a smile because I was aware I would never meet another person like him.

Take your rest my friend. I love you Man.

Jeff

Madison Morelli

October 10, 2009

Though its hard knowing i'll never see him again physically,I know he's in peace up with God.Thats what helps me go on..Uncle Tim was the best uncle ever.He was the one adult that would always take me and my brothers side.When ever I needed him,he'd be there for me.He protected Louis, Kodi, and I like we were his kids.When ever we'd visit Tim we would go to any store and buy so much junk food!He was the funny and crazy uncle.I remeber going DownTown too see him and walking to the park with him and Dutchie.He would always take us to Melrose diner & the people there knew him so well,they all became close friends.When Uncle Tim came to visit my brother and I would stay up till 3 in the morning listening to his amazing storys of the navy,and alot about aliens!I remeber the last time i saw you,ill never forget it.I went to Kellys to visit and me and you stayed up untill midnight eating popsicles and watching old fashion cartoons!Tim the poems you wrote were beautiful and they make me feel better.I love you so much. Uncle Tim I wish you were still here with us..Dutchess misses you so much,we all do.Save a place in Heaven for the next time we meet eachother..

Love Madison(:
xoxo

Tracie Schwanitz

October 7, 2009

Dear Cervantes Family-
I am truly saddened and sorry for the loss of your loved one..I had met Tim for a brief moment through his sister Kelly..He was very kind and smart human being..One thing they say is animals have a good instinct about people..A moment I will always remember is when my two little dogs came to visit with me they wouldnt leave his side..They just met him for the first time and they took to him right away and bonded with him..That says alot about someone to me..It's hard to lose someone so close, and I couldnt imagine your pain...May god be with you and your family..

Love,
Tracie

"Don’t cry at my grave cause I won’t be there.
I’ll be in the breeze that ruffles your hair,
I’ll be in the sunshine I’ll be in the snow,
I’ll be in the places that we use to go.
I’ll be in your shadow and there in your dreams.
I’ll be in your greetings but not your goodbyes.
I’ll be in the reflection of your loving eyes.
I’ll always be with you and I’ll always care.
Don’t cry at my grave side cause I won’t be there."

Heather Hanson

September 28, 2009

Dear Cervantes Family~
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your brilliant and compassionate family member. I spoke to Tim not that long ago after he was very distraught over my love Jack Schaefer's passing Oct 4th, 2008. They understood one another through their writing and Tim was such a sensitve guy. I will never understand why the good ones have to leave us and this earth. It is not easy losing someone you love so much. Love, Heather Hanson

Julie Morelli

September 27, 2009

I wil always eat mulberries from the tree with you. I will laugh and pray with you. Forever I will learn from you and share your nephews and nieces lives with you. I hope your beautiful smile lights the sky when you see how many lives you've touched and the people who love you. I long to hold you. We will all see you again. Until then my selfless, compassionate, patient, brother....find your peace, bask in it. Let God love you like we do. There is only one Timothy Joseph Cervantes....none other...Ever. Thank you for loving us like you did. My heart feels empty...but slowly will heal knowing you have left your pain. You are free... fly T.J. FLY!

Michele Schaefer

September 26, 2009

I am so sorry for your lost-Tim was a very good friend to Jack Schaefer-my son who passed away Oct 4th 2008. They shared a love of writing-Joe had contacted Heather Nelson concerning Tim's death and she notified my family. May God bless all of you at this difficult time-Jack had spoken of Tim often and he had visited our home in Milwaukee Wi

Andrew Coates

September 24, 2009

Dear Cervantes Family,
Words cannot describe the emotions you must be going through. I have not seen Tim in some time, he was like a brother to me through my high school years. I have some very fond memories of the time I got to spend with Tim and your wonderful family. You are all in my prayers and always will be. I wish you peace and love in your lives for you all deserve it so much.

Warmest Thoughts and Prayers,
Andrew Coates

Janet Ranucci

September 22, 2009

Though I never met Tim, I can only imagine from all the loving words and memories that he was a special person -- May God bless the Cervantes/Spence family and give you all the grace and peace to hold on to your fond memories during this difficult time....My prayers are with you all....

Kelly Zachary

September 18, 2009

Jane and family,

I am so saddened to hear of your loss. My family has you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Erica and Jason Pollak

September 18, 2009

To the entire family, our hearts are with you in this most difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss.

Christi Peltier

September 17, 2009

Joe and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Tim’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of times spent hanging out with him. My heart goes out to you and your family. I really wish I could have been there today. I have you all in my thoughts.
Christi

Julie Mosier

September 17, 2009

Dear Cervantes Family,

There are really no words to express my sadness. I do want to thank you for inviting me into your family and providing me with the opportunity to meet such a wonderful guy. I have very fond memories of Tim. He would do anything to make people laugh, feel welcome and comfortable. He always wanted to share his newest writings, order dinner and watch a good movie. Not to mention that he was so incredibly smart. I was always learing something new when Kelly and I hung out with him..especially about history. We are all blessed to have known him and you are truly blessed for having him as a part of your family. I will forever keep all of you in my prayers.

With all of my love,

Julie Mosier

Dr. David Bailey

September 17, 2009

Ah, he was a loving soul. He intrinsically understood the human condition, the problems of those he loved. He strived with effort to reconcile with laughter and pointed laser-like penetration of consoling words.
He was brilliant, scary brilliant..........and it seemed at times he felt the anquish of all sentient beings.
He felt deeply.............too deeply, so deeply he became the pot that held life's woes.
His poetry spoke volumes of life, it's wonderment and it's miseries.
He was brilliant, a loving uncle, a stalwart soldier for the weak.
If he loved you............he had your back......and pity the fool that messed with you.
And..................he cheated at golf!!
Tim...........rest my friend

September 17, 2009

Jane and Family,
You and your family are in my prayers as you have always been. I wish I had known sooner to be there to support you today.
ALL MY LOVE,
Vanessa Brundige

Jenny Bidro-Murray

September 17, 2009

I had the pleasure of growing up in Palatine; a melting pot of amazing, special people creating wonderful memories for me. Tim so obviously made a difference in the lives of so many.
I pray that his family will find comfort in this. And that the good memories you have of him sustain you during this terribly difficult time.

David Krawczyk

September 17, 2009

I am sorry to hear the news. I hung out with Tim for a few years in the 90's running around downtown Chicago with Tom Borst and a few others. Tim did nothing but make me smile..many times bust out in total laughter. I have many great memories carved in my head of the days of State and Division with Tim. Again, I am sorry for your loss.

Michele Thomas

September 17, 2009

To the Cervantes/Spence family,

I'm so sorry for the loss of my cousin. It's hard to see your family hurt so much as you have and will always be my second family growing up. If I wasn't home, Jane and Dan always let me stay at their house. I love you so much and will miss Tim with all my heart. I will always be here for you and your family.

Love always and forever

September 16, 2009

My brother was an amazing person and he will be truly missed. Everyones prayers and love were greatly appreciated..

~ Kelly

Ginger Purgatorio

September 16, 2009

Joe,
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Jeff Doles

September 16, 2009

Cervantes family,

Tim was like a big brother for all of Joe's friends growing up, myself included. He was always very generous with his time. I remember his great personality and love of hanging out with friends and just having a good time.

missy donahoe

September 16, 2009

I was so sorry to hear about Tim. I remember going out to lunch with him and my brother Mike and we laughed so much. I have so many memories growing up next door, He was a great guy with big heart I will be thinking about your family at this time

Stacey Mann

September 16, 2009

Dear Cervantes Family: We are deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Growing in Prairie Brook with Tim and family brings lots of good memories that we will cherish forever. Our hearts go out to all of you during this time. Love Always, Stacey Mann and Family

September 16, 2009

My heart aches for your family. May peace and love fill your hearts during this overwhelming time.

Colleen (Dunne) Paddock

Barbara Retzler

September 16, 2009

With Heart felt sympathy on the loss of your beautiful Son Tim. My prayers are for Jane and Family. Loosing a child is the unthinkable and my Heart is with you all.
Barbara (Mann) Retzler
Still in Prairie Brook

Tom Borst

September 16, 2009

Oh Tim; I was terribly sorry to hear the news of your passing. Some of the best times of my life were spent with you. While we may not have spoken in the last year or so, I always considered you one of my closest friends. I hope you knew that. I truly believe your thoughts and spirit will live on in everyone you came in contact with. Good bye, good friend.

Krys Juleen

September 16, 2009

My friend, David Bailey, often spoke about his friend, Tim, whom he met several years ago when living on Oakdale Street in Chicago. David's comments always touched on Tim's lively spirit, his huge heart, the exquisite way he had with words, and his adoration for his nieces and nephews. It would appear that Tim touched many -- may these memories of him sustain you during this difficult time.

Bobbi Long

September 16, 2009

I haven't seen Tim in many years but I remember him being quite the rebel, never settling for "status quo". He was a fighter too, heaven help anyone who crossed those he loved. I am sorry to hear he was taken so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.

Maureen Bergeson

September 16, 2009

Jane and family--- I am so sorry for your loss. I just met you yesterday Jane but talking with you I know your son was a loved and beautiful young man. Just hold those memories close to your heart to get you thru this tough times. What a beautiful smile he has.Take care---- Maureen Bergeson

Shannon Lasiewicz

September 16, 2009

My heart goes out to your and your family! I remember Tim in the Prairie Brook days! I have alot of great memories. It saddens me that he has left this earth but it gives me peace knowing that He is at peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very terrible time. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help in anyway. ShannonMann

Shannon Lasiewicz

September 16, 2009

My heart goes out to all of you. The Prairie Brook days growing up where such good memories. I had a lot of good times with Tim. Knowing he is at peace and not hurting anymore I pray will give you peace to get through this terrible time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed!

Jen Prendergast

September 15, 2009

Joe, Heather and Family,
As time passes on may you continue to feel the love and support of your family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss.
Tim, Jen, Will and Ellie Prendergast

Mike Mann

September 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to the Cervantes faimly. Growing up in Prairie Brook Tim was like A big brother to me. I have many fine memories of Tim growing up and I will miss him. Please let me know if I can do anything to help.

Robin Willman

September 15, 2009

I knew Tim growing up in Palatine. I was very shocked to hear of this tragedy. May God bless your family in this devastating time. People all over will be praying for you during the hard times you have ahead.

Rose Luz

September 15, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Timmy Cervantes. May God bless all of you and continue to be with you. Remember all of the good times you had with him and let those memories fill up in your hearts until you are with him again.

Carleen Malone

September 15, 2009

May God bless the Cervantes family at this time of sorrow, and soon fill their hearts with wonderful memories of joyful times together with Tim.

Joe Cervantes

September 15, 2009

I cannot express how grateful we are to the overwhelming support from family and friends. Tim was the writer, and in a tragedy like this, could write something so beautiful that could encapsulate so much feeling. For me, I cannot find any words to express, simply I have lost a piece of myself. I have comfort in knowing that he is truly at piece, and our family will continue to celebrate his life. Thank you all for everything!

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