Jesus Alanis

Jesus "Chuy" Alanis of Freeport, IL, tragically passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, while doing one of the things he loved most - riding his Harley on a beautiful summer evening.

Chuy was born on December 7, 1960, in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Jesus Alanis and Elizabeth Garza Alanis. He spent his early childhood in Pharr, TX, where he enjoyed spending time with his siblings and many cousins. Whether it was playing baseball, fishing with friends, or devouring his mother's amazing cooking-especially her tamales, Chuy loved to be with people and soak up time together. The Alanis family then moved to Elgin, IL, where Chuy spent much of his life and built many treasured friendships. He was a proud graduate of Larkin High School Class of 1980.

Over the years, Chuy worked in a variety of hands-on roles where he could use his gift for building, fixing and creating. He was a proud member of the Fox Valley Laborers Local 582. No matter the job, Chuy took pride in his work and found joy in learning something new each day and meeting new people in each and every role.

Chuy had a deep respect and unwavering love for all animals, a compassion that defined so much of who he was. He loved sharing the countless antics of Brody and Boomer with anyone who would listen, always beaming with pride and affection- even when they were causing trouble. Chuy had a special gift for caring for injured or orphaned animals, often taking them in and nursing them back to health with unmatched dedication-whether it was the baby squirrel who grew up loyal only to him (and quick to nip at anyone else), or Cougar the stray cat and eventually her kittens. No creature was ever too small or too wild to escape his care. His gentle heart extended to all living beings, and he never turned his back on an animal-or a friend-in need.

Chuy's truest joy, however, was his family. He was a devoted brother to Lazaro "Larry" Alanis of Freeport, IL; Ileana Alanis of Rockford, IL; and Rita Gomez (Jose Luis) of Elgin, IL. He loved exploring and traveling to new places with his partner Susan Neubauer. His greatest role in life was being a father to Anthony Alanis (Emily) of Winfield, IL and Samantha Alanis of Elgin, IL. He was also privileged to play a father figure role in Jacob Neubauer's (Shelby) life. He was truly their biggest fan and was there to cheer them on and remind them just how proud he was of them no matter how big or small the moment was. Later in life, he was blessed with the title of Grandpa Chuy to Augie and Elliot - a role he embraced wholeheartedly and showed up to every game, camp-out or regular old Sunday afternoon.

He firmly believed in the power of presence - always showing up, helping those in need, and celebrating the simple, everyday joys of life. Whether kayaking, riding his beloved motorcycles, or introducing his grandsons to his passions. Chuy brought an adventurous and loving spirit to every moment. He never met a stranger and had a unique gift for connecting with people from all walks of life, always curious and compassionate about their stories and journeys through life. To know him was to become family; his loyal heart turned friends into brothers, and every bond he formed was for life.

Chuy was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jesus and Elizabeth, and his daughter, Alyssa. He is survived by his siblings, children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who adored him, including Mari Cazarez of Woodstock, Ana Garcia (Eddie) of Lancaster, CA, Sarah Engels (Taylor) of New Brighton, CT, Jose Gomez of Elgin, and Alex Alanis of Geneva, IL, as well as many great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 10th, from 10:00am to 12:30pm, at Laird Funeral Home in Elgin, IL. A celebration of life will take place at 12:30pm as we honor the beautiful life of a man who gave so much to all who knew him and were lucky enough to call him a friend.

Chuy lived each day with warmth, generosity and a passion for life - and those qualities will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched. For information call 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com A Memorial Service will be held on July 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Laird Funeral Home 310 S State St.