Jeremy Paul Dunivan

   Jeremy Paul Dunivan, 44, of Belleville, IL, born November 16, 1980, in Long Beach, California passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2025, surrounded by family.

   He will be reunited in heaven with his mother, Rita Dunivan, best friend and cousin, Brian Fuess, maternal aunt, Patti Strom, father-in-law, Dan Bernaix, and grandparents, Mildred and Ervin Hoffmann, and Inez and J.C. Dunivan.

   Jeremy is survived by his wife, Tiffany Dunivan (Bernaix); daughters, Faye and Maeve Dunivan; father and step-mother, Jerry and Nancy Dunivan; sister, Jennifer Campbell; niece and nephews Tyler, Isabel, and Brady Lendman; mother-In-law, Marilyn Bernaix; sister-In-law, Kristin (Jeremy) Hickam; brother-In-law, Justin (Tonya) Bernaix, nieces Ella and Lyla Hickam, Kinsley Bernaix, and nephews Caden Bernaix and Keller Hickam; loving aunts and uncles, Marilyn Hoffmann, Jeannie (Rick) Fuess, Karen (H) Giessing, Michael (Misty) Hoffmann, Charlie Hoffmann, Donnie (Debbie) Hoffmann, Gary (Mona) Hoffmann, and many dear cousins, and friends.

   In his lifelong quest for excitement and adventure Jeremy forged two careers.

   SPC Jeremy "Tree Climber" Dunivan graduated from the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA, and joined the 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry, US Army Reserve, located at Fort Shafter, HI in 2006. He was assigned to 2nd Platoon, Delta Company (Heavy Weapons), as a Gunner. Jeremy deployed on active duty and served honorably from 2008-2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq. Upon returning to Honolulu, HI, Jeremy was assigned to the Sniper Section, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry where he served as a Scout Sniper. In 2012, Jeremy had the distinct honor to serve on the military funeral honors detail for the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a WWII Medal of Honor recipient from Company E, 442d Regimental Combat Team. Jeremy left military service in 2014. SPC Dunivan's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Bronze Campaign Star, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. Go For Broke!

   Never one to shy away from danger, he found his calling as an arborist. Jeremy was very passionate about trees and the proper way to preserve them. He has worked all over the country helping teach, inspire, and motivate climbers in the industry. He became very well known in the tree community as “Cowboy”. He never backed away from a challenging tree. If others didn’t want to take on the job, Cowboy would go. He not only completed the mission, he did it with precision and ease while teaching those around him his techniques. He competed in many tree climbing competitions and won many awards throughout the years. Not only for his talents, but also for his presence, winning the Spirit of the Competition award several times.

   It was in 2009 that Jeremy met the true love of his life, Tiffany, and began his greatest adventure. They wed in 2013 and welcomed 2 beautiful daughters, Faye and Maeve. Fatherhood was always a dream of his and Jeremy considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment.

   Jeremy loved being outdoors, making others laugh, and spending time with friends and family. He was the ultimate storyteller, whether it was his real-life shenanigans or perhaps even a tall tale or two. Jeremy had the biggest heart. One never had to question his love as you were always greeted with a bear hug and left with a “Love you” from Jeremy. He made friends everywhere he went and treated everyone like family. Try as he might, it was impossible not to love him. He had a special way of bringing people together. Jeremy will forever be remembered for his bigger than life personality, adventurous spirit, comedic timing, and propensity to love BIG.

   In lieu of all other gifts, memorials in remembrance of Jeremy can be made to the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

 VISITATION: From 10 AM to 1 PM Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

 FUNERAL: A funeral service with Military Honors will be held 1 PM Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Pate officiating.