Manuel Rivera, 41 of Rock Falls, died Monday, March 14th 2016, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood IL. He was employed by Mallard Manufacturing Corporation in Sterling IL. Manuel was born June 12, 1974 in Sterling IL. The son of Manuel Rivera Sr. and Elma (Rodriguez) Rivera. Survivors include, his mother, Elma Rivera (1943-2019), four children, Nevaeh, Manuel III, Mia (Isabelle) and Nadiya (Jenelle), one sister, Kris (Luis) Veloz, and one brother Karlos (Carrie Mahar) Rivera of Sterling IL. He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Rivera Sr., and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Growing up, Manuel was considered a hyper child with lots of energy. His childhood was full of trips to Texas with his mother and siblings. He looked forward to his grandmother’s homemade tamales, they were special to him.

As a man, Manuel was extremely business savvy. This lead him to become a head manager of a local company. Manuel was known to have a loud voice, you could hear him before you saw him. He could motivate you to do anything and everything. To this day, many former coworkers of Manuel stop family members to tell them how much they admired Manuel and his ways. Manuel was particular about his looks, especially his hair. Manuel always wanted to look his best no matter what. Most of all, Manuel was a loving father. After losing his own father at a young age, Manuel made sure he was present for his children and cared for them deeply. Manuel loved all four of his children more than anything.

On July 3, 2015, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Through all treatments and chemotherapy sessions, Manuel was determined to fight for his children and his family. Manuel remained optimistic throughout his entire journey to a “clean bill of health”. In early January 2016, Manuel, while in remission, was given the opportunity to get a bone marrow transplant that would lead him back to health. Manuel excitedly signed paperwork with hopes that this procedure would be the end to this long, difficult journey. The bone marrow transplant was performed on February 1st, 2016. Complications set in by February 5th, 2016. By February 14th, the complications did not subside and this led Manuel to make the decision to be placed in a medically induced coma to potentially let his body fight off the complications. During this time, Manuel’s family rallied behind him with tons of support and prayers. Manuel had an army of support surrounding him but the support of his mother was the strongest. She devoted countless hours of time to make sure her son was cared for in the best way. Whether it was appointments with doctors or time alone in the hospital room, she was there for him. On March 14, 2016, after signs of declining health, Manuel passed away surrounded by his immediate family. Manuel left behind four children and a loving family who yearn for his presence every single day.

Life without Manuel is different and difficult for everyone. His children, his siblings, his nieces, nephews and cousins. His mother suffered the brunt of this grief. In January 2019, his mother, Elma, fell ill with an illness while playing cards at a friend’s house. She sought medical attention and was released without further issues. Weeks passed and Elma seemed to still be struggling but her strength helped her live day to day life. On February 3rd, 2019, Elma was rushed back to the hospital where she was admitted for further testing. During this time, family took time to visit and comfort her. Her granddaughter would spend her lunch hour visiting because her grandmother meant so much to her. On February 14th 2019, after testing her bone marrow, it was discovered that Elma had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). According to the oncologist, this is not a heredity cancer and it’s all coincidental. Elma declined treatment because she saw her son suffer and she did not want to do the same. Elma made the decision to remain at home until her death. During the next 10 days, her daughter became her caregiver which was a shock to everyone close to her. Those 10 days were filled with memories, tears, and learning experiences for everyone. In the early morning hours of February 24th, 2019, it was decided to take Elma to a hospice home for more comfortable care. Her daughter stated to her “Mom, Manuel is going to be so excited to see you.” Her last words were “He knows”. At 1:30 pm, on February 24th, 2019, Elma passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was interred here with her son, her final request.

Manuel’s legacy is his children. They show signs of their father strongly. Manuel was a fighter through and through and his children prove to be just as strong as he is. Manuel’s family continue to share stories of him at gatherings. Those stories make it feel like he is still here. Manuel and Elma’s story shows that a mother’s love never dies. It brings the family comfort that they are together and watching over them until the end of time. The family has two strong guardian angels that will guide them through life’s toughest times and witness life’s happiest moments.