Juan G. Cruz

Click here to view the service held for Juan G. Cruz on Friday, January 29th, 2021

Click here to view the committal for Juan on February 9th, 2021

•  Visitation
  • Friday, January 29^th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm at MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee.
• Time of Remembrance
  • Friday, January 29^th at 1:30pm at MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee.
• Mass of Christian Burial
  • Friday, January 29^th at 2pm at MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee.

Juan G. Cruz

Passed away on January 18, 2021.  Beloved Husband of 52 years of Guadalupe.  Dear Father of  Mariza, Juan Jr.(Tano), Adrian, Camilia, Robert, and Victor.  Proud Grandfather of Dominic, Malyse, Louis, Esmeralda, Alex, Elias, Angelo, Layla, Ruby, Anthony, Gabriella, Victor and Giovanni. Son of Minerva and Joe, brother of Joe, James and Hondo.  Also survived by other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29^th from 12:30pm – 1:30pm at MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6924 W. Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee.  Time of remembrance at 1:30pm, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 2pm.  Covid precautions will be followed. Interment Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.

Coffee, Biscuits & Gravy were a few of Dad’s favorite things. He entered this world on a warm sunny day in San Antonio, Texas many years ago and left it this year on a beautiful, warm sunny January day in Wisconsin.

Once upon a time…that’s how Dad would begin his stories. A beautiful, optimistic baby boy was born to Minerva and Joe in San Antonio, Texas. He was soon joined by his brothers Joe, James and Hondo. The four of them shared many adventures growing up. They loved hunting, fishing and occasionally going into town to watch a double feature movie. He was a caring and loving big brother to them. While they were still young boys they moved to Palmyra, Wisconsin where farming was abundant. His love and respect of nature was evident through his care of their animals. Since he was a young boy, our Father had a strong work ethic, as he woke up early in the morning to go work the land with his Father. Even though he eventually settled in Greenfield, he still enjoyed going to the country. We had one last opportunity to take a drive with him a couple weeks ago. He was taking pictures of the freshly, snow dressed  trees. Dad said “Look what God gave us.”

Dad was a man of faith and never forgot where his blessings came from. He was not feeling the greatest but was so determined to go to Mass on Christmas Eve. His dedication has been a great example to us.

It was in Palmyra where Dad set eyes on a beautiful 17 year old girl named Guadalupe. She and her family had recently moved from San Antonio Texas. Some would call it whirlwind because it was. Their courtship, engagement and marriage followed in short order.

Dad went to Vietnam and valiantly served his country shoulder to shoulder with other brave souls. This is something he rarely spoke of, but was incredibly proud of. Our father was part of the 9th infantry, Bearcat division during The Tet Offensive, a major turning point of the war. We didn’t know until recently that Dad was in the jungle and also served as a door gunner.

After Vietnam, Dad was stationed in Germany and was joined by Mom. That is where the first of us was born. After Europe came Washington state then back to Wisconsin. Mariza, Juan Jr.(Tano), Adrian and last but not least Daddy’s little girl Camilia(Mamita) are the children our parents had. Thirteen grandchildren since, from those children.

Growing up we were really blessed.  Dad and Mom provided a beautiful and stable home for us. Our father worked at Miller Brewing Company to help make sure we had what we needed.  Dad taught us through his life stories and advice. Even though he was strict with us we knew he loved us. He had such a warm smile and great sense of humor. When the grandchildren started arriving, that brought him great joy. One Sunday comes to mind when Dad took his tractor and hitched a little trailer so he could take them around his yard to search for special gifts he had hidden for them – a special scavenger hunt where surprises were waiting for them. It reminds me of when we were little and Dad said he heard reindeer outside. There were deer tracks and gifts waiting for us. Dad and mom created special moments for us throughout our lives.

Dad was a humble and generous man. He was also very observant. He cared a lot about people and was genuinely interested in their stories. He used to say “ Everyone has  a story to tell. You need to listen.”

Our father played many instruments including the guitar which he played as a musician at Church. There was a young couple from church who sang and had two small children. He noticed and thought it was nice that they walked to Church. It caught his attention that when the weather was getting colder they were still walking. Even though they had greeted each other and smiled we didn’t know their story. They could not afford a vehicle so my Father gifted them a car. He asked us to never to tell anyone. Through the years he’s been a blessing to many.

Thank you Dad  for all you and Mom have done for us. It is difficult to believe you’re no longer here with us. You will forever remain with us in our hearts and memories.

Our parents loved each other very much and Mom was always proud of our father.  We are very fortunate to have been part of their love story.

Dad, as many cups of coffee you have had while you were on earth is how much we love you and much more.