TAMA- Juan Cruz, age 78, of Tama died Monday, March 31, 2008 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama following a lengthy illness. A funeral liturgy will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama.
Juan was born on September 2, 1929 in Villa Gran, Tamalipos, Mexico, the son of Thomas and San Juanita (Lopez) Cruz. He was raised in Mexico and lived in Texas for many years before moving to Tama in the early 1990's. Juan married Maria Saucedo at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marshalltown in 1993. He had formerly worked for Tama Pack. Juan enjoyed watching sports, especially boxing.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Maria in 2000; two brothers; and three sisters.
Survivors include one son, Elias (Paula Martinez) Cruz of Mexico; two daughters, Alma (Arturo Olivaves) Cruz and Neli Cruz both of Mexico; two grandsons, Elias Cruz Jr. and Horacio Cruz both of Mexico; three granddaughters, Rosoano Cruz of Dallas, Texas, and Cristina Cruz and Yadira Cruz both of Mexico; and one sister, Jesusita Cruz of Mexico.
A memorial fund has been established.
Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.