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Category Archives: Obituaries

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28 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Kathryn “Katy” Neubert Garbus

January 27, 1986-February 23, 2019

Services:

Visitation at 8:30 am on March 2 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Mass at 9:30 am on March 2 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Committal service at 11:15 am on March 2 at Holy Cross Cemetery

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25 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Sarah Malady Eifler

July 24, 1943-February 13, 2019

Sarah was born to John and Mildred Malady in Rochester, IN. She found eternal peace, rest, and her eyesight at her home in San Antonio, TX. Sarah grew up in Logansport, IN and became a Certified Operating Room Technician. Working 25+ years at Community Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, she said her main goal was to make her patients calm and comfortable while going into surgery. During this time she also received a Bachelor of Business degree from IUPUI.


In 1992 she moved to San Antonio to be closer to her sister, Colleen, and became the OR Business Manager at Santa Rosa Hospital. In 2000 she met the love of her life, James Eifler, and they married on May 2, 2009. They camped, traveled and spent summers at their cabin in WI. Sarah had a green thumb, known for her beautiful flower gardens. She loved to cook and bake, especially pies.

She was preceded in death by her parents and parents-in-law. Survivors include her husband James, sister Colleen Malady, step-sons James (Jessica), Norman (Karalyn), adored step-grand children Callen, Julien and Ethan Eifler and sisters and brothers-in-law.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd., at 10 am on Wednesday, February 27 with visitation prior to Mass. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation or Owl Radio, San Antonio Chapter.

25 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Enrique J. “Henry” Arizpe

October 16, 1924-February 21, 2019

“Henry” Enrique J. Arizpe, 94, passed away in San Antonio on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at his home with his wife and family members by his side. Henry was born October 16, 1924 on a farm in Marion, Texas, one of 12 children. Henry left the farm at an early age to work as a tailor at nearby Randolph Air Force Base. In June of 1948, he married his bride, Teresa, and they made San Antonio their home. They were able to celebrate 70 years of marriage!

Over the years, Henry worked various jobs at furniture businesses gaining more and more experience in the furniture upholstery trade. With help from his wife, he started his own business, Henry’s Upholstery, in 1953 and operated it for 50 years. All the while, Henry and Tere were building a real estate portfolio consisting of small-to-medium shopping and office centers, single family homes, and duplexes in the San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Austin, Texas areas. As the patriarch of Arizpe Properties, LTD., Henry and his wife Tere labored hard to achieve their dreams and provide for their family—all this with a grade-school education.

Henry always had time for bowling, trail rides, and weekends at the lake teaching many others to fish and water ski. Other weekends were spent at the coast, camping, or on road trips across the state and country. For Henry, there was always time to teach his children and grandchildren how to have fun, but there were also many lessons on how to work. He would take them to work at the shop at 2327 Fresno, or to work on various projects at the properties. Henry was always there to help relatives and neighbors with projects, give advice, or whatever else people needed him for. He would often ask his children about a tenant or how a project was going. Even when he could no longer be hands-on, Henry wanted to give advice and know how things were with each of the many properties that made up the Arizpe Properties, LTD. portfolio. Later, as his health began to fail, Henry spent his free time watching various sports on TV, especially the UTSA Roadrunners football and basketball games, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Henry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is greatly missed by Teresa, his loving wife of 70 years. Also carrying on his legacy are his children: Sam and Lisa Arizpe, Sandy Arizpe Gonzalez, Sylvia and Thomas Jones, Sara and Chris Bunch, and Saul and Jodi Arizpe. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild include: Shelley, Subrina, Savanah, Aydin, William, Nicole, Troy, Eric, Matthew, Mikayla, and Bryson. Also missing him are his close friend, Antonio Moreno, whom he considered as family; caregivers Santa Rosales and her husband Armando; his sisters-in-law Alvera D. Arizpe, Esther V. Perez, and Elena V. Lincon; and brother-in-law Rudy Acevedo; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Henry was preceded in death by his parents Miguel and Petra (Soto) Arizpe; his brothers and sisters; and his inlaws, Tomas and Rosa Valdez, whom he held in high regard.

We ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we lay our father to rest. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 27, from 5:00-6:30 P.M., at Porter Loring Mortuary North. A rosary will follow at 6:30 P.M. Mass will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 16075 North Evans Rd. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery #2. Donations in his memory may be made to the Building Fund of either Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Selma Texas, or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, San Antonio Texas. 

Henry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is greatly missed by Teresa, his loving wife of 70 years. Also carrying on his legacy are his children: Sam and Lisa Arizpe, Sandy Arizpe Gonzalez, Sylvia and Thomas Jones, Sara and Chris Bunch, and Saul and Jodi Arizpe. His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild include: Shelley, Subrina, Savanah, Aydin, William, Nicole, Troy, Eric, Matthew, Mikayla, and Bryson. Also missing him are his close friend, Antonio Moreno, whom he considered as family; caregivers Santa Rosales and her husband Armando; his sisters-in-law Alvera D. Arizpe, Esther V. Perez, and Elena V. Lincon; and brother-in-law Rudy Acevedo; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. Henry was preceded in death by his parents Miguel and Petra (Soto) Arizpe; his brothers and sisters; and his inlaws, Tomas and Rosa Valdez, whom he held in high regard.

We ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we lay our father to rest. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 27, from 5:00-6:30 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary North. A rosary will follow at 6:30 pm. Mass will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 16075 North Evans Rd. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery #2. Donations in his memory may be made to the Building Fund of either Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Selma Texas, or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, San Antonio Texas. 

13 Feb

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Irene Casias

May 18, 1945-February 4, 2019

Irene Casias was born on May 18, 1945 in San Antonio, Texas, the eldest daughter of Patricio and Francisca Ramirez. She grew up in a tight-knit family of seven brothers and sisters before meeting the love of her life, Rudy Casias, to whom she was married for 42 years. Together they made their home a welcoming place for friends and family, regularly hosting Thanksgiving lunch and other get-togethers.

Irene was a unique and caring individual whose bright smile could instantly light up a room. She had a gift and passion for decorating, a flair for dressing, and loved to cook at home. Her lively personality and generous spirit ensured that she made friends wherever she went. She will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her.

Irene is preceded in death by husband Rudy Casias, parents Francisca and Patricio Ramirez, brothers Joe and Louis Ramirez, brother-in-law David Casias and wife Minnie. She is survived by sisters Beatrice Ramirez, Rose Mary Schoenmakers, Sylvia Alonzo, Gloria Ramirez, brother Adolph Ramirez and wife Leli, Jimmy and Rachel Casias, Joe and Fannie Casias, Robert and Edith Casias, Helen Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass celebrating Irene’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 11:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi with a reception to follow in Henke Hall.

23 Jan

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Jose (Joe) Patricio Ramirez

March 19, 1942-January 8, 2019

Jose (Joe) Patricio Ramirez was born on March 19, 1942 in San Antonio to Patricio and Francis Ramirez. He was the eldest of seven siblings. He is survived by one brother, Adolph Ramirez (Leli) and four sisters, Irene Casias, Beatrice Ramirez, Rose Schoenmakers, Sylvia Alonzo, and sister-in-law Gloria Ramirez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Louis Ramirez, and his brother-in-law, Rudy Casias.

Joe was born with multiple health issues and required special care all of his life. Joe taught us that people with disabilities are like regular people with hopes and dreams who want love and affection. Joe’s dream was to come back with a healthy body. He would get married and have children. For the last three years, Joe was a resident at Mesa Vista. We visited daily. He enjoyed participating in activities and watching cowboy shows. He will be greatly missed. We love you, Joe. Rest in peace.

A Mass to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi at 11 am on Wednesday, January 23.

03 Jan

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Nola Ann Crow Dum

Nola Ann Crow Dum, age 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 5, 2018, in San Antonio, Texas. Born on April 4, 1940, in Waco, Texas, to father, Carl Jesse Crow, and mother, Mattie Mae Brown Crow. Nola graduated from Richardson High School in 1958 and married Bill Dum on May 5, 1967. She worked for GMAC until 1968, at which point she took on the role of a full-time mother. Nola was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where she was a volunteer with the Mobile Loaves & Fishes. Nola was dedicated to her family, community, and church. She was also a devoted caregiver to her husband. Nola was preceded in death by her loving parents and many cherished aunts and uncles. Nola is survived by Bill Dum, her beloved husband of 51 years; son, Jeffery Dum; daughter, Amy Dum Scott and her husband, Daryl; her most treasured gifts her grandchildren, Davis and Kendall Scott; brothers, Joe Crow and his wife Pat, Carl Crow and wife Judy, and Marvin Crow; brother-in-law, Mike Dum; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kennington and husband Ned; many loved nieces and nephews; and cherished cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on January 18 at 10 am with a reception to follow in Henke Hall.

02 Nov

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Maria Alvarez

January 13, 1929—October 31, 2018

Maria Alvarez went to be with our Lord on October 31, 2018, surrounded by her family. Maria was born on January 13, 1929, to Severa and Encarnacion Quinones. Maria is survived by her husband of 66 years, Thomas Alvarez, daughter Lydia, son John (Norma) and daughter in law Deborah. She was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren John (Ana), Sarah, Alyssa, Stacie, Stephanie. and her great-granddaughters Isabella and Elizabeth. Maria was preceded in death by her parents, brother Miguel Quinones, and son Thom.

Maria was a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi where she was past president of the Women’s Council, Eucharistic Minister, and active in the Society of the Rosary. Maria was a loving wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. The family would like to thank Brookdale Hospice for their care of Maria.

Services
The Angelus Funeral Home Sunday, November 4th, 4:00 pm viewing, 5:00 pm rosary. Funeral Mass will take place Monday, November 5th, 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Private burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
26 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Roberto Hernandez

August 26, 1936-October 22, 2018

Roberto Hernandez was called home to the Lord on October 22, 2018, at the age of 82 in San Antonio, TX. He was born in El Paso, Texas to Bernardino and Corina Hernandez with his brothers, Jose (Amparo) and Raul (Rosa). He was a graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School in El Paso and UT San Antonio. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with 22 years and Civil Service Customs with 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Magdaline “Cindy.” He is survived by his son, Robert Xavier; daughter-in-law, Alida Angelica; grandson, William Robert; great-granddaughter, Madelynn Daisy, numerous nieces, nephews; and companion, Tina Chavez. The family will receive guests on Monday, October 29, 2018 from 5-7 pm at Porter Loring Mortuary North, followed by the recitation of the Rosary beginning at 7 pm. Mass of Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 12:30 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on De Zavala Road. Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

26 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Donato Martinez

January 12, 1925-October 20, 2018

Donato “Don” Martinez, age 93, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Laredo, Texas on January 12, 1925, to the late David & Efigenia Martinez. San Antonio, Texas became his home for over 72 years. He was inducted into the US Marine Corps. during World War II and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida where he met the love of his life, Betty Crosby.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Netha Elizabeth “Betty” Martinez, his sisters Irene Hernández and Ofelia Gutiérrez. He is survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and great-nephews and nieces.

He was an extraordinary uncle! He embraced all those that entered his world with open arms and an open heart. He will be missed by many but above all, we will hold him dear in our hearts forever!

On behalf of the entire family, we express our most heartfelt gratitude to all those that touched his life so genuinely during his last few years. Your loving care and devotion were always present.

Above his stairway to heaven, his lovely wife waits for him as they dance their way into eternal life!

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018
7:00 PM
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

SERVICE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018
10:00 AM
PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

Entombment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Special thanks to pallbearers: Allen Castro, Daniel Gutiérrez, Orlando Gutiérrez, Eduardo David Hernández, Nicolas Ricardo Hernández, Lorenzo Valencia, and Steven Valencia.

26 Oct

To Celebrate a Life of Love: Joe M. Lara, III

March 1, 1960-October 22, 2018

Joe M. Lara, III was born March 1, 1960 to Guadalupe and Joe Lara, Jr. in San Antonio, Texas and died peacefully surrounded by his family on October 22, 2018. The oldest of seven children, Joe was eventually raised by his grandmother, Cruz Martinez, where he received great wisdom and insight. Joe was very inquisitive as a child, systematically excavating the backyard in search of artifacts or playing for hours with his junior chemistry kit. This curiosity instilled in him his love for learning. He graduated from Wheatley High School in 1978 and in the fall entered Southwest State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in psychology in 1983 and later a second Bachelor of Science degree in anthropology in 1985.

After briefly working as an archeologist, Joe was hired as the City Sanitarian for the City of New Braunfels in 1988. Unbeknownst to him, Joe would make this his lifelong career for 28 years. During his first year, Joe became a Registered Sanitarian through the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). Joe continued to learn and became proficient in various areas earning representations in different agencies, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Designated Representative, TCEQ Site Evaluator, TDSHS LHA (Municipal Local Health Authority and Zoonosis Rabies Control Authority), Secretary to Animal Services Commission Board, and Archeological Liaison to Texas Historical Commission. Through his unwavering diligence, Joe sought to expand the scope of the Environmental Health Department by implementing numerous programs and passage of various statutes for New Braunfels. His efforts enhanced the profile of the department and the City throughout the region. He investigated epidemiological outbreaks including foodborne illnesses, public water issues, rabies, TB, and the like. Later in his tenure, Joe was asked to conduct the city orientation tour for newly hired employees. Having been with the City for so many years, Joe was very well-versed with the history of the City and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his wealth of historical knowledge. One of his last contributions that impacted the community the most was the ratification of the Trap Neuter and Return Program for feral cats. Joe believed this program was a humanitarian measure to keep the homeless and abandoned cat population at bay while also decreasing high euthanasia rates. At the April 2018 City Council Meeting, it was reported that since the inception of this program euthanasia rates had dropped 70%. He retired as the Environmental Health Services Manager.

It was during his early years at the city that he met his future wife, Belinda Bazán, who was at that time the Director of Nutritional Services at McKenna Memorial Hospital. It was love at first sight and after two years of professional interactions and two years of dating, he married his best friend on July 23, 1994. He loved her deeply and they shared a lifetime of love together. Joe instantly became a dad to Iliana Danielle Bazán with this union. Years later she asked him to legally adopt her, which truly thrilled him.

Joe enjoyed vacationing with his family to Disney World when Iliana was a child and later to Mexico to explore his heritage. New Orleans also held a special interest to him. Joe enjoyed experimenting with food preparation, especially BBQ. He was indeed a grill master and no one could prepare a spread like he could. Some raved about his grilled smoked salmon while others thought his brisket was superb. Grilling relaxed him and gave him opportunities to bond with the doggies as they supervised the grill master!

In March 2015, Joe was diagnosed with ALS and fought this brutal disease with much valor, dignity, grace, and acceptance. He chose to live life and not have this disease identify him. He continued to work for the City of New Braunfels until he could no longer physically meet the demands of a routine day. With much sadness, he retired June 30, 2016. On that day, the State of Texas flew the Texas Flag in his honor as a tribute to his contribution to the city. This was the first time in the history of the city that an employee had been recognized in such a significant manner. Joe fostered many lasting friendships throughout his career and at his retirement it was standing room only in the City Chambers. He loved his work and believed his contributions made a difference for the community. On April 17, 2018, Joe was awarded the first annual City Manager’s Lifetime Legacy Award for his dedication to the City of New Braunfels.

Once retired, Joe learned to utilize a special computer whereby his retinas would control the cursor. Joe continued to research, keep up with current events, and stay connected with family and friends.

Even as successful as Joe was in his professional career, he was most proud of being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He nurtured Iliana and guided her to become a strong, vital, and dynamic individual. His influence on her will forever be his legacy to Iliana and her family. He loved Evangelina from the moment he learned she would be a new member of the family. Pictures of them clearly depict how much he loved his granddaughter.

Joe is preceded in death by his grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Belinda Bazán-Lara; daughter, Iliana Bazán McGurn and son-in-law, Michael Francis McGurn; precious granddaughter, Evangelina Grace McGurn and future grandson, Finnian Joseph McGurn; parents, Lupe and Joe Lara; siblings, Terry Lara (John), Genevieve Henry (Perry), Jesse Lara (Linda), Jimmy Lara (Hayli), Jerry Lara (Kelly), Javier Lara (Eloise); aunts, Tony Martinez and Josie Segura; uncle, Manuel Martinez; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His faithful companions, Paco, Mia, and Nico will surely miss him as well.

Our family wishes to extend a profound gratitude to Dr. Albert Mosqueda. Dr. Carlyne Jackson and her team at the MARC, especially Pam Kitrell, RN, Debbie Myers, PT, Autumn Cleg, OT, Karen Martin, RD, Lori Tyler, ST, Rick Wettstein, RT, as well as the RQS team who diligently cared for Joe during these past three years. Our deep appreciation to Abimbola Falayi, CNA for his enduring and loving care for Joe; our gratefulness to Elaine Foreman, RN and Elizabeth Love, LVN for their constant attentiveness and assurance and to Liz Johnson. Our utmost appreciation to the ALS Association for their assistance. We would not have been able to walk this arduous journey if it had not been for the Bazán family and our friends that were always there to lend a helping hand. We will be forever indebted to your unwavering support.

In lieu of flowers and cards the family requests donations to the ALS Association, http://webtxportal.alsa.org/goto/joescrew2018 and donate to Joe’s Brew Crew, 4939 De Zavala Rd, #105 San Antonio, Texas 78249, or the New Braunfels Community Cat Coalition, www.nbcats.org, 3353 Morningside Drive, Suite C, New Braunfels, Texas 78132.

The vigil will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018, at 7:30 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78249.

Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Francis Assisi of Catholic Church.

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