Obituaries
Obituary: Eugene George Balavender
The last words he spoke were how much he was going to miss everyone.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Eugene George Balavender
Eugene George Balavender, “Geno” to friends and “Sunny” to family age 90 of Romeoville, Illinois, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 11, 1935 in Joliet, IL, the son of the late George Balavender and Kathryn Reeves (nee Shewmake).
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Gene was raised in an orphanage in Chicago before later transferring to Guardian Angel Home in Joliet along with his sisters Joan and Pat. Despite facing numerous hardships throughout his life, he met every challenge with resilience, strength, and determination.
Gene was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for many years. During his time with the union, he cultivated a wide range of skills and talents that truly made him a man of many abilities. Whether he was astonishing others with his gift for palm reading, offering foot massages worthy of a five-star spa, or immersing himself in crossword puzzles, Gene found joy whenever he could keep his hands or mind engaged.
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Gene is survived by his children, Michelle (Ralph) Wick, Mary (William) Quast, and Marc Balavender; his grandchildren, Zach (Rachel) Lawhead, Noel Ortega, Amy Balavender (Corey Brent), Lisa Hardy, Addison Balavender, Anthony (Ashley) Vance, Steven (Maria) Quast; his great grandchildren, Aurora, Raymond, Eliana, Arik, Emilio; his sister Patricia Balavender and brother Ronald Reeves as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife Juanita (nee Alling); his children, Matthew and Michael Balavender; and his siblings Joan Manning, and Terry Reeves.
A Memorial Gathering for Gene Balavender will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet, IL. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him; the last words he spoke were how much he was going to miss everyone.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
