Theodore "Ted" CRUZ

Age 92 ~ Of St. Paul, MN Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 16, 2013. Preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mary M. Cruz; children, Rose Marie, James & John; sisters, Guadalupe Serrano, Petra Ortega & Andrea Cruz; and brother, Felix. Survived by children, Richard, Robert (Carol Sue), Thomas, David, Catherine (Harold) Cruz-Gooch, Stephen (Teresa) & Mark (Julie); many grandchildren; great-grand-children; brothers, Raymond, Frank & Joseph; nieces; nephews; & many other relatives and friends. Ted was born on April 1, 1920 in Brawley, CA. He & his family moved to MN in 1931 & eventually settled on the Westside of St. Paul. Ted married Mary in 1941 & purchased a home in Mendota Heights where they raised their 10 children. Ted was a longtime employee of the airline industry. He worked for over 40 years as an aircraft mechanic for Northwest, Mid Continent & Braniff Airlines. Along with many entrepreneurial business ventures which included a trucking operation, Radio Cab Company, Stryker Dry Cleaning & Shoe Repair, occasional car sales and the founder of Cruz Mexican Foods. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #397 in St. Paul & the I.A.M. Union Local 780. Theodore was deeply devoted to his family & church and a life-long member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Wednesday, March 20th at OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, 401 Concord St. @ Hwy. 52, St. Paul. Visitation 4-8PM Tuesday at WEST FUNERAL HOME (651-457-6200), 1051 So. Robert St. @ Arion, WSP & also 1 hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Special thank you to the caregivers at Southview Health Care Center.