Erven H. Van Deventer

Passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the age of 87.

Erven is survived by his loving daughters Tina Van Deventer and Lisa (Zoltan) Mihaly, and his brother Harold Van Deventer.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Gray) Van Deventer in 2025, his parents Harold and Helen (nee Zbroniec) Van Deventer, and his sister-in-law Mary Margaret “Peg” Stanfel.

Erven was born on June 5, 1939, in Aurora, Illinois. He attended Marmion Military Academy in Aurora and later graduated from Illinois Benedictine College. He went on to enjoy a long and dedicated career as a chemist with Argonne National Laboratory, retiring after more than 30 years of service.

Erven was steadfast in his Catholic faith and boundless in his love as a husband and father. He lived an active and full life. He traveled extensively, was an avid swimmer, enjoyed bicycling as a member of the Pedal Pusher Bike Club and enjoyed playing double pinochle and bingo. He also took great pride in his garden and enjoyed walking, visiting, and socializing with friends at Shorewood Glen Lodge. Erven was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Joliet Council #382, Joliet Elks Lodge #296, and the Queen of Apostles Catholic Church Paulites.

A special chapter in Erven’s life began through the Naperville Dominic Singles Club, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth. After dating for about six months, the couple traveled with the group to Europe, where Erven proposed to Elizabeth in Amsterdam, Holland. They were married on November 27, 1971, and shared 53 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love and cherished memories.

Funeral services for Erven H. Van Deventer will be held from Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Avenue, Shorewood, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville. Memorials to Lightways Hospice will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.