Leopoldo Melchor Cortez Obituary (1924 - 2013)

Leopoldo Melchor Cortez Eaton Rapids, MI Passed away on Saturday, February 16, 2013 surrounded by his children and grandchildren, at the age of 88. Leo was born on November 26, 1924 to Aurelio and Maria Luisa (Nieto) Cortez in Tacambaro Michoacan, Mexico. Leo proudly served in the Mexican Militia before moving to the United States. He met Jeronima Cruz in Texas; they were soon married and moved to Eaton Rapids where they raised their four children. Leo worked for and retired from General Motors. After retirement he went to work for the Kunkel family helping out on the farm. Working with the Kunkel's for so many years made them very close and like his second family. Leo was a familiar face in the Eaton Rapids community living here for 50 years. He was a long time member of St. Peter Catholic Church and loved volunteering his time to help the Knights of Columbus with fish fry's and community events. He is preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Jeronima. Surviving Leo are his children, Gloria (Tony) Valadez, Miguel Cortez, Mary Lou (Tim) Sloan, , Maria Cortez; grandchildren, Anthony Valadez, Michael Valadez, Natasha Cortez, Krista Cortez, Cynthia Chavez, Gloria Chavez, David Chavez; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 11:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with Anthony Valadez, Michael Valadez, Tony Valadez, David Chavez, Tim Sloan, and Miguel Cortez acting as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Monday, February 18 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with rosary at 7:30 PM. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 5303 S. Cedar St. Building 1 Lansing, MI 48911 in memory of Leo Cortez. For online condolences or to sign the register book please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com Memorials: Alzheimer's Association 5303 South Cedar St. Building 1 Lansing, Michigan 48911