Manuel Federico Cruz

Manuel Federico Cruz of La Junta passed away on May 14, 2014 at Porter Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was born in Alferez, Durango, Mexico on March 25, 1935 to Jose and Geronima Cruz Federico. He married Lupe Vasquez on September 12, 1959 and celebrated over 53 yrs of marriage together.

He was previously employed by Western Canning followed by The City of La Junta at the Airport Industrial Park for 27 yrs. Manuel had a strong work ethic, was always incredibly kind to others, always had a smile on his face, made sure his children were educated and was devoted to his family. His wife and children came first, no matter what. His passion was working on his hobby of farming. Planting and growing crops, raising cattle and other animals. His tractor was his other love. He would use it for almost any task, if he could drive in a screw with it he would.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Lupe Cruz; children, Miguel/Mitch Cruz of Denver, Colorado; Ralph Cruz of Los Angeles, California; and Kathy Cruz of Aurora, Colorado; brothers Norbert (Rita) Cruz of Longmont, Colorado; Jesus (Lupe) Cruz of Roswell, New Mexico; Maximo (Luz) Cruz of Jaurez, Mexico; sisters, Soledad Cruz of Juarez, Mexico; Gavina (Melecio) Herrera of Chicago, Illinois; Ramona (Rodolfo) Vasquez; Esther (Manuel) Barraza; Amelia (Raymond) Hernandez all of La Junta; brother and sister in-laws, Willie (Evelyn) Vasquez; David Vasquez all of Colorado Springs; Ben (Lois) Vasquez of Pueblo West; Juanita (Mike) Chavez; Eddie (Carmen) Vasquez; Martha Vasquez; Alfred (Jean) Vasquez all of La Junta; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Blas Cruz, Bruno Cruz; sister Merced Cruz. Father and Mother In-laws Bonifacio and Luz Vasquez.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley are in charge of the arrangements.


Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Monday, May 19, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Matthew Wertin officiating. Visitation will be Monday, May 19, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.