George Cave Obituary

George L. Cave
Born: September 2, 1953 in Streator, IL.
Died: August 29, 2025 in Rockford, IL.
George L. Cave, 71, of Streator passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 4th at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Wednesday, September 3rd at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator. The rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M.
Burial will be in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Streator.
George was born September 2, 1953, in Streator, a son of Emmett and Catherine Cave. He married Jo Ann "Bunny" Hatzer on June 21, 1975. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this year.
George worked diligently as an operator with Hatzer and Son for over 30 years. He was a jack of all trades and a dedicated civic servant; long after his retirement, he could often be found around town helping his sons, neighbors, or strangers with their yardwork, home improvement projects, and more. There was no project George didn't know how to do, and there was no person he wouldn't help with a smile on his face.
George had many hobbies, one of his favorites being teaching his grandkids to play card games like Posthole, Euchre, or Golf. The grandkids quickly learned, however, to check his sleeves for hidden cards– especially if he was the one keeping score! He also enjoyed golfing with his late brother Emmett, gardening vegetables in his backyard, and attending Cruise Nights with his prized 1986 Monte Carlo.
He was a proud member of St. Stephen's Parish, a past president of the St. Stephen's Parents Club, Streator Knights of Columbus, Sons and Friends of Erin, and the Streator Elks. He was also a proud past president and original member of the Lions Club.
More than anything, George loved his family. He especially treasured his eleven grandchildren; from the 22-year-old college graduate to both rambunctious two-year olds, Grandpa was rarely missing from a cross country meet, marching band performance, ball game, dance recital, concert, school drop-off, or playdate. You could see him coming from a mile away in his bright customized Hawaiian shirts, often featuring the faces of all 11 grandkids. When asked about the faces on his shirt, George would beam with pride and brag about each grandchild for as long as anyone would listen.
He is survived by his wife, Bunny; his four sons, Joe (Misti) of Peoria, Jorge "Bee" (Heather) of St. Charles, Dan (Anna) of Streator, and Denny (Megan) of Newport, FL; and his eleven grandchildren, Maddi, Maci, Joey, Carter, Colin, Ava, Rowyn, Logan, Rollins, Caroline, and Chloe. George was also the youngest of eleven siblings, survived by two sisters and one brother.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Hank, Virginia, Rose, Emmett, Ronnie, and Orville.
George will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving dad, and doting grandfather. His family and friends will dearly miss his ornery smile at the cards table, his loud cheering in the stands of any event, and most of all, his unwaveringly strong leadership as the beloved patriarch of the Cave family.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com