October 1, 1970–October 11, 2015

Michele J. Palacios passed away in her home, surrounded by her immediate family who loved her deeply on the 11th of October 2015 after a courageous 8 year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Michele was born on October 1, 1970, grew up in Kansas and moved to San Antonio in 2004.

Michele previously worked at Wells Fargo Bank and left the bank to focus on her treatments and to spend time with her husband, Richard L. Palacios. Over the last couple of years, Michele and Rich became very active in the non-profit organization; Little Pink Houses of Hope where she and her husband volunteered to help other woman and their spouses dealing with cancer.

Michele was also an excellent chef and enjoyed cooking for her family. She also enjoyed painting and created many beautiful paintings that she gave to her family. She also had a special love towards animals.

Michele was also an excellent chef and enjoyed cooking for her family. She also enjoyed painting and created many beautiful paintings that she gave to her family. She also had a special love towards animals.

She always had a smile on her face and continuously remained optimistic, courageous and continued to show compassion to others no matter what she herself was going through. Michele was passionate about her faith in God and recently converted to Catholicism.

Michele is survived by her husband of three years, Richard Palacios and her faithful canine companion; Max, her parents Michael & Vicki Reed and Peggy and Greg Bartholomew; her daughter Francine Brown; her two brothers Logan and Landon Bartholomew; sisters Staci Pectol and Shelli Patterson; Grandmother Margaret Jean Bergner. Friends and family will be received at 6:30 p.m.

Arrangements

CELEBRATION AND PRAYER SERVICE
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 15, 2015
7:00 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DEZAVALA

MASS
FRIDAY
OCTOBER 16, 2015
10:00 A.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH

Interment will follow in Hill Country Memorial Gardens. Family suggest memorials to Little Pink Houses of Hope, 2375 Corporation Parkway, Burlington, NC 27215.

Jorge Humberto Escobedo died on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Though he could be a man of few words, anyone that knew him knew instinctively they were in the presence of someone who was truly good. He was a dignified, honest and gentle man, always objective and positive, with never an unkind word about anyone.

Jorge also had a zest for life. He was a world adventurer, cosmology connoisseur, dapper dresser and sometimes illicit studier of Trivia Pursuit cards. He spent his life feeding his mind, and he could pull off dress socks and dress shoes with shorts unlike any other. His sense of humor was sharp, and his smile was infectious. Jorge loved photography and filming, and as a result, documented so much of his family experiences through the years, leaving a legacy of family bonds. Most amazing though, was that he had the rare ability to be fully himself. He had neither pretense nor shame in anything he did or took on. That’s something we can all aspire to.

Jorge came from a large and loving family. The eldest of 10, he was like a second father to many of his younger siblings. He held all of them close for the length of his full life. Jorge was cherished by his parents, grandparents, uncles and cousins. As a little child, he would fascinate relatives with his conversation and knowledge. Jorge was a loyal son, brother, husband, father and friend. He began his own family when he was just 22. He first met his wife Frances, who survives him, when he was in 5th grade (she was in 4th) at H. K. Williams Elementary School in San Antonio. They started dating when they were seniors in high school and were finally engaged three years later, when Frances, tired of waiting, proposed. He stayed by her side for 50 years of love and traveling adventures, including 53 cruises and countless road-trips. A mostly stay-at-home dad, he had more of a hand in raising his children than most fathers. As such, and always a tinkerer, Jorge raised Ginger and Steven with a his own brand of attentive yet ‘figure it out for yourself’ style. He taught them to think practically and logically, consult a dictionary often, and most importantly, that ‘only boring people get bored.’

Jorge took great pride in being a “Knight of Columbus” and fulfilling their mission of helping others. He was grateful for the abundance he had in his own life, and always sought ways he could help better the circumstances of others.

Jorge was preceded in death by his parents, Juvencio and Oralia Escobedo and his younger sister, Irasema. He is survived by his wife, Frances, his two children, Ginger and Steven, and five grandchildren, Jordan, Lauren, Chris, Alyssa, and Samantha, as well as 5 sisters and 3 brothers plus many nephews and nieces.

Services

A memorial for Jorge will be held on Thursday, October 29, at Porter Loring Funeral Home in downtown San Antonio on McCullough, 1101 McCullough, (corner of McCullough and I35). Family and guests can arrive between 6-7 to mingle and get settled.

The rosary will begin at 7pm, led by Dr. James Garza, who also conducted the renewal of Jorge and Frances’ vows at their 50th anniversary celebration this past May. Eva Weber, niece, will provide a violin performance and Eric Gustafson, brother-in-law and vocalist, will sing a song of remembrance.

A mass will be held the following day, Friday Oct. 30th at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 4201 De Zavala at 10:00am, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to MD Anderson – Adult Sarcoma Research, in honor of Jorge Escobedo.

April 8, 1918–October 10, 2015

Denise Sander Tertrais, 97, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Fair Oaks Ranch. A very strong and courageous woman, she was a resident of Paris, France where she and her family were part of the Resistance during World War II, having both father and brother committed to Buchenwald concentration camp. She lived in France until 1960, when she moved to the United States and became an American citizen. She enjoyed volunteer work, making good use of her many talents, and was very family-oriented. Denise was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Tertrais. Survivors include her sister, Helen Beder, who is still in France; daughter, Catherine Bila and husband V.J.; 3 grandchildren, Vera, Christopher and his wife Angie, and Gregory Bila; 5 great-grandchildren, Denise, Monica, and Charles Chaloupka and Madeleine and Carter Bila; as well as a great-great-grandchild, Anthony Kelley.

Arrangements

The Rosary will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. with a Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala. Interment will follow in Mission Burial Park North. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer research at University of Texas Health and Science Center or MD Anderson.

We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Mary Kramer who passed away yesterday morning. Mary was one of the parish’s founding members and our community will miss her greatly.

The Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, September 15 @ 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church will interment following. A reception in Henke Hall will follow the burial. There will be no vigil service or rosary.

Please click here to view the Express News Obituary. 

Eternal rest grant unto her, Oh Lord,

and may perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Robert Friesanhan who has gone home to Lord.

The vigil service will be on Friday, July 17th at 7:00 pm at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, located at 6321 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78238.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, July 18th at 12:00 pm Noon at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, followed by interment at Evers Family Cemetery located at 7029 Forest Pine, San Antonio, Texas.

Obituary

Victoria C. Casillas, 16, of Shavano Park, TX went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2015.

Victoria was a junior at Dixon High School in Holly Ridge, NC. She participated and performed with the Hermann Sons Dance Group, liked to volunteer at the Humane Society, a member of Forever Fit Dance Group and was the 2014 Spot Festival Jr. Queen. She was very kind, gentle, and sincere of heart; a truly creative and imaginative young lady. Having traveled all over the world shaped her respect for people and their cultures. She had a natural affinity for all God’s creatures. Victoria will be remembered as always lighting up any room with her smile.

Survivors include her father, Victor S. Casillas, III of Shavano Park, TX; her mother, Clarissa W. Miller of Sneads Ferry, NC; two siblings, Luke and Maddie; Paternal grandparents, Victor Jr. and Beatrice Casillas of Shavano Park, TX; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Barbara Wake of Kirby, TX; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2015 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

The family invites you to fellowship and refreshments beginning at 11:30 a.m., Monday, February 16, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

VIGIL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015
1:00 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DE ZAVALA

MASS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015
1:30 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DE ZAVALA

Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery II.

To my Princess, with much love from all of our hearts, may you be at peace with the angels of Heaven. Never forget DLM/AA. Love you always, Dad.

Family suggests memorial donations be made to:
San Antonio Humane Society, 4804 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229;
or the SA Zoo, 3903 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78212.

July 5, 1919 – May 3, 2015

Lt. Colonel Ernest Kristof, age 95, passed away on May 3, 2015. He was born on July 5, 1919 in Czechoslovakia to Reverend Nicholas Kristof and Helen Zima Kristof. He attended Penn State University and served in the Army Air Corps in WWII as a navigator/bombardier. He was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars, a Bronze Star, and an American Defense Medal. He retired from the U.S Air Force Reserves in 1979. His first civilian job was with Prassel Manufacturing, then Builder’s Supply, Straus-Frank, Coleman Co., and finally Campbell-Ince, where he retired after 20 years. He was an active member at both St. Paul’s and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Churches.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Bernice Wagner Kristof; sisters, Martha Smith, Mary Beifus; and brothers, George Kristof and Jake Kristof. He is survived by his sister, Theresa Prah and brother, Zoltan Kristof and wife Laurene; his daughters, Karen McGilloway and Marcia Wilson, her husband Randolph; grandchildren, Robyn McGilloway, Paige Omohundro, and her husband Brian, Brooke McGilloway, Guy Wilson, his wife Jennifer, Cale Wilson, his wife Nichole, and Markay Fluitt, and her husband Timothy; and four great grand children.

Services

MASS
WEDNESDAY | MAY 6, 2015 | 7:00 P.M.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH
4201 DEZAVALA ROAD

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
THURSDAY | MAY 7, 2015 | 9:30 A.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
1520 HARRY WURZBACH

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

MInita Santizo, age 68, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 7, 2015 at her home in San Antonio, TX surrounded by her children after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She is survived by her children, Lola Santizo Kern (Thomas), Silvia Gonzalez (Jaime), Mario Santizo (Isabelle), and Rodrigo Santizo (Alaina) and her beloved grandchildren, Maya Kern, Jaime & Gabriel Gonzalez, Leah and Matteo Santizo, and Noah and William Santizo. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mario Jose’ Santizo, her mother Alma Matilde Huemoeller, and her father, Carlos E. Ballesteros.

Minita was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico on June 20th, 1946. She was raised there by her mother and grandmother until the age of 12, when her mother died suddenly and her grandmother became her guardian at which time she was sent to boarding school at the Sacred Heart Academy. At the age of 15, she came to the United States to live with her uncle, Federico Huemoeller and his family in St. Louis to benefit from an American education. While working as a secretary at St. Louis University, Minita met and married her husband Mario Santizo on December 7, 1968, who was a masters candidate also at St. Louis University. After their daughter Lola was born, they moved to Iowa City, IA when Mario became a Professor of Spanish for the University of Iowa.

During their 29 years in Iowa City, her children Silvia, Mario and Rodrigo were born and while she raised her family, she finished her bachelor degree at the University of Iowa and also earned two masters degrees in education one of which was in International and Comparative Education. A highlight of her career was her work as the Director for the University of Iowa International Writing Program. Her work with the IWP brought out the best in her “mover and shaker” personality where she arranged tours, lectures, performance attendances, visits to elementary schools, hosted more than a few wild parties in her home and even old fashioned salons where poetry, music and political discussions with dissident writers from all over the world were enjoyed by her family. Throughout their years in Iowa City, Minita and her family also hosted at least 46 family members and foreign exchange students from but not limited to Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, France, China, Taiwan and Brazil.

Her career blossomed with her position at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX as Director for Studies Abroad. She served in that position for for 15 years during which she tirelessly helped countless students realize their educational goals by assisting them with choosing studies abroad opportunities, getting passports and arranging for visas, taking care of emergencies abroad, becoming long-time friends with many of them. During her tenure at St. Mary’s she sought and developed new study abroad opportunities for faculty and students stun in existence today. She was a member of NAFSA for more than 20 years and saved on several NAFSA committees at the National, Regional and local levels, including the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. She organized workshops, State meetings, while also participating in numerous sessions and panel presentations. As a member of the Forum on Education Abroad, Minita was an active participant in the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad development. In addition, she served as a Fulbright Grant and Boren Scholarship representative as well as a reviewer for these scholarships. She is co-founder of the Texas International Monthly(TIM), a study abroad organization comprised of local and regional universities that share information and discuss current issues in study abroad. Most recently, before her retirement she was appointed as Associate Director of the Association of Marianist Universities(Chaminade-Honolulu, the University of Dayton – Ohio, and St, Mary’s University. Some of her awards include The Silver InsigniaAward for her support and dedication to the Franklin Institute; Institute of International Education Award for her decade of work with the Gilman International Scholarship Program; The Alice Wright Franzke Feminist Award for the Promotion of Peace from St. Mary’s University; Leader for the Ecumenical Service Against Capital Punishment, President’s Peace Commission also from St. Mary’s University and The Award for Appreciation for Service from St. Mary’s University.

Minita loved her family and especially her dear grandchildren beyond measure. She thrived on meeting new people and making new connections many of which she kept for her lifetime. She has many wonderful close friends and neighbors in San Antonio that she met through her career at St. Mary’s who have become family by heart and will continue to be in her childrens’ lives. Minita attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church faithfully and was involved with many activities through the parish such as Mobile Loaves and Fishes(food, clothing, and other necessities delivered to the homeless and poor), minister, reader, greeter, A.C.T.S. Retreat team, Women’s Parish Council, and also with Habitat for Humanity. She was a lover of all kinds of music, movies, and travel and enjoyed constantly learning. Minita became a champion of anyone who asked for her help especially those whom she felt were marginalized. She was never afraid to speak up or say what was on her mind. Minita often said out loud what others were thinking but did not have the courage to say. Her firecracker personality and spirit will be greatly missed by all who were lucky to know her. And her heart and soul were always guided by love.

Friends are invited for a visitation on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 12:00-2:00pm, Porter Loring Funeral Home, 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, TX.  A second visitation will follow at 4:30-6:30 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX after which a Vigil will start at 6:30 also at St. Francis.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, February 12 at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with a luncheon immediately following in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, a monetary gift may be made to the Marianists in support of their work in India.
http://www.marianist.com/donate/santizo/

CMSgt.  (Ret.) Donald J. Borak, 80, passed away on January 31, 2015. Don was raised in Chaska, MN, then served in the USAF Security Service for the next 21 years as an Intelligence specialist and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Air Force Commendation Medal among other honors. It was during an assignment to Scotland that he met and married his wife, Sandra. He also had assignments in Alaska, England, Japan, and Thailand before his retirement from Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX in 1974. Don then earned his CLU and ChFC before becoming Regional Director for 3MARK Financial in Sugarland, TX and Area Life Consultant for Protective Life.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, County Commissioner Edward Borak and Loretta Hart Borak; a brother, Charles Borak; and a brother-in-law, John Schneider. His survivors include his wife of 54 years, Sandra Robertson Borak; 2 siblings, Mary Jean Borak Schneider, and Robert Borak and wife Judy; a sister-in-law, Connie Borak; 3 sons, Paul Borak, Gary Borak, and Steven Borak and wife Leslie Coleman Borak; a daughter, Donna Borak Henderson and husband Frank Henderson, Jr.; and 5 grandchildren, Brady and Colby Borak, and Frank “Trey” Henderson III, Katherine, and Wyatt Henderson. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4, from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

Vigil

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

7:00 P.M.

Porter Loring North Chapel

Processional

Thursday, February 5, 2015

10:30 A.M.

Porter Loring North Chapel

 Mass

Thursday, February 5, 2015

11:00 A.M.

St. Francis Of Assisi Catholic Church

 A graveside service with Military Honors will be in Ft. Sam Houston on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Attn: CONTRIBUTIONS, One Intrepid Square, W 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036 (www.fallenheroesfund.org).