Javier "El Gato"  M. Ramirez, 75, of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully after a brief illness in Rockford, IL on November 20, 2025 surrounded by family.

He was born April 7, 1950, son to Antonio Martinez Ramirez and Gregoria Moreno Huizar in El Cuidado, Tepetongo, Zacatecas, Mexico . Javier attended school in Mexico and came to USA at 19 yrs of age and worked for Central Rubber Company as a Punch Press Operator for 35 years before retirement. He married his sweetheart, Estella Cantu, of Sterling, Illinois, on November 12, 1982 in Belvidere. They are members of St. James Church. Javier enjoyed exercising, gardening, grilling, and mixing drinks for family and friends during gatherings. He also loved rodeos and horses. He was the life of the party and an exceptional host to all who came to visit. Most importantly, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

Javier is loved and missed by his wife, Estella; his children Javier A. (Ashley) Ramirez, Gregorio E. (Patrisia Hernandez) Ramirez, Adam L. Ramirez, Ines L. Ramirez, Jose E. Ramirez and Ashton D. McCoy; grandchildren Javier J. Ramirez, Sawyer E. Ramirez, Sebastian E. Ramirez. Survived by sisters Irma (Mateo) Gomez, Marta (Rito)Marquez, Yolanda (Gerardo dec.) Lopez, Mariaelena (Juan) Perez, brothers Antonio Ramirez, Refugio Ramirez, Jorge (Teresa) Ramirez, Gustavo Ramirez. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, numerous Godchildren and close friends and acquaintances.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Gregoria Ramirez and brothers Raudel Ramirez and Gustavo Ramirez.

A funeral visitation will take place from 5 p.m. to time of the 7 p.m. rosary, Friday, December 5, 2025, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. A rosary service will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. following the visitation. A funeral Mass will be at 12 p.m. , Saturday, December 6 at St. James Church 402 Caswell St in Belvidere. Burial at Belvidere Cemetery. In his honor, donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. To share a memory, please visit www.andersonfcs.com