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Manuel Cárdenas Obituary
He was born September 18, 1942 in San Diego, Texas, a son of the late Servando and Aurora (Esparza) Cárdenas. On June 1, 1968 in San Diego, Texas he married Ninfa H. Gómez who he had known since high school. She died June 1, 2004.
He is survived by his 2 daughters, Elsa Sánchez and Edna Cárdenas; a son, Luis Cárdenas; son-in-law, Chris Sánchez; granddaughter, Laurel Sánchez; 3 brothers, Eduardo Cárdenas, Luis Cárdenas, Alfredo Cárdenas and 3 sisters, Blanca Sifuentes, Maria Ortiz and Eva Chapa. He is preceded in heaven by his brothers Servando and Arnoldo and sister, Gloria.
After graduating from San Diego High School in 1961 he served in the Air Force for 4 years before entering college. He earned a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Mathematics from Texas A&I University and a PhD in Statistics from Texas A&M University.
In 1974 he made a home for his family in Las Cruces and became a Professor of Experimental Statistics at New Mexico State University retiring in 1996 following 22 years service. He dedicated his professional life to teaching and consulting and positively influenced many people's lives.
Manuel dedicated himself to his family and lived a life full of optimism and love. He enjoyed playing guitar, singing, reading, golfing and spending time with family and friends. His family misses him terribly and life will never be the same without him.
Memorial services will be held on April 13th at 10:30 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Manuel Cárdenas
Rosie Sifuentes
May 2, 2010
Dear Edna, I was very saddened to hear from my Mom of my Tio Manuel's passing. When Mom went to Las Vegas I so wanted to go but I was unable to. I had a bad injury in December and i've been under doctor's care and had just had a procedure on my back. I had just moved back to San Antonio,Texas when Mom notified me of the bad news. I am so sorry to hear that my uncle is gone it hurt me deeply as it did when my Tia Ninfa left to be with our Father in Paradise. The consolation is that at least they are both together in heaven. I Love and Miss them both so much. I hope you remember me I am your cousin Rosie Sifuentes. I last saw you,Elisa & Luis at your Moms funeral. If you ever need anything or just need to talk I am here for you all. My e-mail [email protected] and my cell# (210) 273-2962. Please forward to me yours and Elisa's, Luis's address and phone number if possible. My prayers will always be with all of you. Please keep in touch. Let Elisa and your brother Luis know that I am thinking of them too. Please forward my e-mail address to them so we can all keep in touch with each other. I am always in touch with our cousin Javier too. Love You Always your cousin Rosie!
April 24, 2010
To the Cardenas Family:
I was saddened to hear the recent death of Manual. I knew your dad. Your mom and I graduated from San Diego in 1963. We were very good friends in high school. They were wonderful people. Their legacy is one of admiration and respect. My deepest condolences to the family.
Ricardo E. Barrera Austin,Texas
April 15, 2010
To the Cardenas family, please receive our heartfelt condolences. Cynthia and I got to know Manuel, Ninfa, and the family while Manuel and I were in graduate school at Texas A&M. I was able to visit him at his home after he had retired in Las Cruces duirng one of my trips there while attending a conference. Recently, Cynthia and I purchased some of the Gomez family land and we hope to make it our home after retirement. Through this and friends, we hope that we can maintain contact with all of you . Es con mucho sentimiento que le deseamos a Manuel un eterno descanso y a ustedes, un monton de buenas memorias. Juan and Cynthia Lopez.
Stella Barrio
April 15, 2010
To the Family of Manuel Cardenas,
I had the honor of meeting your father, Dr. Cardenas when the E ST Department merged with the ECON Department at NMSU. I also had the honor of meeting your mother, Ninfa. They were wonderful people.
May the love of our Lord, your family, friends, and your memories bring you comfort and peace.
Blanca Sifuentes
April 14, 2010
Dearest Edna, Elsa, and Luis Alfredo, I share your lose and I am so sorry I could'nt attend his service, though, my heart and tears were with you as I shared your loss as his oldest sister. I have so many memories of him since the time he was a baby till he grew to be such a wonderful, responsible, intelligent, ingenious brother. There are just no words to express his parting but I find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and is with the love of his life, Ninfa, your mother. Loving you and being with you and sharing your loss. Your aunt, Blanca and uncle Ralph.
Norma Arrieta
April 14, 2010
Dear Edna, Elsa, and Luis,
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He and your mother were two of the most inspiring people I've had in my life. My love and prayers are with each of you during this time and always.
Rosi/Eladio Barrera
April 14, 2010
Dear Alfredo and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother, Manuel. What an intelligent and talented man he was, Even though we hadn't seen him since our high school days, we know he was much loved and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Rosi and Eladio Barrera
April 13, 2010
To the Cardenas Family;
As a member of San Diego High School (graduation 1959) I have vivid memories of Manuel's genius in using a slide rule & all Math areas. He was Mr. Aguirre's star student, & I recall my admiration for his skills. Eva was my classmate & a long time friend. My condolences to all. Peace, Graciela Barrera Kavulla Houston, Texas
Juan Martinez-Rios
April 13, 2010
It is so sad to hear about this news!...
Dr. Cardenas was an excellent teacher at NMSU, where I met him when I was a graduate student back in 1995.
Here in Durango, Mexico I'll pray for him...
Arnold Barrera Jr.
April 13, 2010
Dear Edna, Elsa & Luis,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I was a classmate of your dad at San Diego High. After high school most of us ventured out of San Diego and we lost contact with each other. Nevertheless, I will forever remember your dad as a kind individual who was brilliant in all subjects, especially math, and always willing to lend the rest of us a hand. Your dad will be remembered for his brilliance and kindness.
Melanie Viramontes
April 12, 2010
Ed, Elsa and Luis,
I wanted to give my deepest sympathies on your loss. I remember many a slumber party when your dad had to yell us to stop laughing and go to bed, or when he played his guitar for our talent shows.
The last time I saw your dad he was having breakfast at the Break an Egg resturant with a collegue. I know my interactions with your Dad were few, but he and your family were a permanent fixture during my grade school life at Conlee and as a Lynn Jr. High Cougar, and later, as a young adult in Albuquerque when Edna and I were roommates.
I know your father meant a great deal to all of you and I know you make him proud by being the great, intelligent people you have become.
Again, I am sorry for your loss and I will pray for you and your family through this difficult time.
In Friendship Always,
Melanie D. Viramontes
Hermán García
April 12, 2010
Dear Manuel Cardenas family,
I am saddened to learn of your father's passing. I met Manuel (Dr. Cárdenas) when I was a doctoral student in the late 70's early 80's here at NMSU. He was a strong supporter of many doc students over the years and we reamin grateful for his caring and support. May you find consolation and fortitude for your loss.
God Bless,
April 12, 2010
My sincere condolences to Manuel's family. I was a classmate of Manuel in Jr High and High School. We didn't live to far apart so we were always playing together as we grew up. I remember playing with manuel and the rest of our friends in the arroyo and even going swimming there since San Diego didn't have a public pool back then. Lots of fond memories of those times. I'll keep Manuel and his family in my daily prayers. God Bless.
Jose O. Garcia
Irving, Tx
Argelia Estringel Ochoa
April 12, 2010
Elsa,Edna,Luis and Families,
Manuel and I took most of our classes together in school. What I will always remember about him was his brilliant mind in the areas of math and science. He was a man way ahead of his time. Although we never saw each other after high school, my brother and I always remembered him. Our prayers are with you.
Roel and Graciela Estringel
April 11, 2010
Elsa, Edna, Luis, and families,
Manuel and I were very close friends all through school. He played football with me and we graduated at the same time. Your mom and my wife, Graciela, graduated from San Diego HS in 1963. We have fond memories of both of them. We offer our most sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you.
April 10, 2010
We met your parents back in Texas A&M, College Station before Elsa was born. We then came to Las Cruces where Manny and Ninfa were already living. We are very sorry for the loss of your Dad. We know he will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Gloria & Melchor Ortiz
April 10, 2010
Elsa, Edna, Luis, and families. Our condolences go out to you. Your dad was my first cousin, My dad, Manuel, was your grandmother, Aurora's brother.
Your dad and I played football together in high school. He was a senior and your mom was a sophomore when I was a freshman. My father died when I had just turned 11, and we moved to the neighborhood where your father lived. We used to play sports together along with Luis and Alfredo. He was a good person and very brilliant.
Irma & Manuel Esparza, Jr. & Family
Alice, Texas
Rosalinda y Cecilio Barrera
April 9, 2010
Edna, Elsa, and Luis,
We have many fond memories of your dad and mom while we were colleagues at New Mexico State, and while you were children. Our condolences to you on your great loss.
Lloyd and Marlene Breaden
April 9, 2010
To the family of Manuel Cardenas: Manuel was a dear friend of ours when we lived in Las Cruces. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family. May the memories you have comfort you at this time.
Ida Carrillo
April 8, 2010
Edna, Elsa and Luis,
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared,comfort you. You are in our prayers.
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