Zak Rivera

Zak Rivera, 42, passed away peacefully at his home, with the family and friends he loved most dearly at his bedside. Throughout his life, Zak embodied unwavering positivity and determination that made him an exceptional competitive athlete, entrepreneur, and role model. He applied that same optimism and tenacity during his six-year fight against cancer, continuously defying expectations while inspiring all those around him. Born in Arlington Heights, Ill., Zak fell in love with competitive sports, especially baseball, at a young age. With his considerable athletic talent and disciplined work ethic, he excelled both on and off the field. In high school, Zak was an All-Conference athlete in football and baseball, securing a full-ride baseball scholarship to University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned All-Conference and Horizon League awards. In Milwaukee, he met the love of his life, Kristen, who became his wife in 2012. After earning an MBA from UWM, Zak left Milwaukee to coach college baseball, a role that ultimately inspired him to dedicate his life's work to coaching others through personal training. In 2013, he opened Focused Results Personal Training, which he grew into a well-respected business and fixture of the community in Lake Bluff, Ill. Inside Zak's fitness studio, the walls feature words like "courage," "confidence," and "commitment" - virtues he exemplified in his own life. Over the course of his career, he helped hundreds of clients embrace healthier lifestyles while still taking time to mentor high school students and other young business owners. Diagnosed with cancer in March 2019, Zak resolved to continue living life to the fullest and making every day a good day. Throughout the highs and lows of his treatment, Kristen was not only his devoted partner and caregiver but also his "rock," providing loving support and stability for the entire family, including their young son, Wesley. While Zak was a hero to many, his greatest fan remains Wesley, who was only 17 months old at the time of Zak's initial cancer diagnosis. Zak took enormous pride in his role as Wesley's "head coach." Whether they were throwing batting practice in their backyard or holding wrestling matches in the living room, Zak relished every moment he spent with Wesley. Even while coping with the side effects of chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries, Zak showed up for Wesley's games and made his birthday cake each year. Being there for his family was what kept him going. Through his actions and quiet leadership, Zak taught us that what matters is not the time you have, but rather what you do with the time you're given. From catching a Duke basketball game to visiting Disney World, Maui, Wyoming, and Colorado, Zak stayed active in the last 18 months of his life. In between cycles of chemotherapy and several clinical trials, he and Kristen also raised thousands of dollars for cancer research and financial assistance for other families affected by cancer. Zak's relentless pursuit of investigative treatments and commitment to advancing cancer research to help other patients stay focused on fighting will be part of his legacy. For Kristen and Wesley - the two people he loved "to the moon and back" - Zak will forever be the MVP of Team Rivera. He also leaves behind his loving parents, Juan and Laurie; brothers Tony (Shannon) and Alex (Emily); father-in-law and mother-in-law, DeWayne and Carla Beckley; sisters-in-law Jessica Rupnow (William), Brittni Fuller (Dan), and Ashley Lindberg (Zach); along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Zak had a profound love for his colleagues, friends, and family, who benefited daily from his signature warmth and frequent acts of kindness. Those who had the honor of knowing him will deeply miss his gentle character, innate drive, and fierce spirit that refused to yield to any obstacle. He will also be remembered for his passion for music, the outdoors, cooking over an open fire, and his beloved Chicago sports teams (Go White Sox!). Zak's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Focused Results team, the Team4Zak community, and Cocktails & Caregivers, all of whom have surrounded the Riveras with endless support and encouragement throughout the years. The Riveras would also like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Kellogg Cancer Center in Highland Park, Ill., and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for their exceptional care. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster Road., Lake Forest, Ill., with a small reception to follow. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to support Wesley's college fund by going to https://www.ugift529.com/ and entering Code: 95Q-Q3X for direct donations. Those who wish to make a memorial gift in Zak's name to support pediatric cancer research and a treasure chest may be made to the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago at https://my.luriechildrens.org/page/88273/donate/1. For more information, contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest at Director@RTfunerals.com or (847) 234-9649.