Obituary of John J. Traven

John Joseph “Jack” Traven, age 79, of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly at home, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

Born September 22, 1943 in Joliet, he was the son of the late Adolph and Ann (Horvath) Traven, and was a graduate of Joliet Township Central High School with the Class of 1961.  John was a proud veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War.  He worked as a meat cutter for Jewel Food Stores at various locations but retired from the Theodore Street store after many years of dedicated service.

Jack raised and raced homing pigeons and anxiously anticipated the start of racing season each fall.  He was also an avid fisherman and there was not a type of fish he wouldn’t go after.  He also loved to garden and the wild birds and deer are going to miss him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Charlotte (Gronemann) Traven of Joliet; his devoted son, John G. Traven of Joliet; one sister, Patricia Schager of Crest Hill; his wife’s sister and husband, Jane and William Imrie; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was also the lifelong friend of Ron Chovan and the late James Vanderhyden.

Visitation for John Traven will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home.  Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Joliet, where military honors will be accorded by the United States Army. 

Memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com