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Manuel Cruz Obituary
Manny (as he was affectionately called) found solace in nature and animals, especially his loyal companion, Lucky. His hobbies included riding his Harley, playing his bass guitar, and indulging in various genres of music.
Manny was predeceased by his Father, Ray Cruz. He is survived by his loving Wife, Leah Jo (nee: Streeter) Cruz, his Mother, Antoinette (nee: Esparza) Cruz, Sisters and Brother Ramona Kurland, Charmaine ("Chimmy") Garza, Nephew Bryce Garza, Sister, Stella Garza, Raymond Garza (nee: Kim) and daughter Jenna. He was also a Father to four children, Vince, Julio, Mireaya, and Andy.
The compassionate staff at CMC Funeral Home in Chicago, IL, is assisting the family during this difficult time.
In respectful memory of Manuel Cruz, may his legacy of hard work and love for the simple joys in life be cherished by all who knew him.
A celebration of life is being organized and planned for a later date, to be announced.
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Lisa Escalante
June 26, 2024
My sweet, handsome cousin. Tata, you will be missed and forever loved.
Charmaine Garza
June 23, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 23, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 23, 2024
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Charmaine Garza
June 23, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 23, 2024
Shanna & Brian Bentley
June 23, 2024
Manny's legacy continues to be blessed by the generosity of his family who continue to honor his life. Their support at this time of need is greatly appreciated. If you know, you know.
Jennie Esparza
June 21, 2024
Rest with the angels my beautiful cousin . Say Hi to everyone for me! You with Tammy and Elena now. I know you guys are having great laughs together!! I´ll see you all when my name is called!! Love yous!!! cousin Jennie Esparza
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Larger and than life.
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
Mona
June 21, 2024
My world is a less funnier place. I love big bro and will miss your voice and making fun of me and calling me Slo Moe Moe Joe. All in good fun. It always made us laugh. I still don´t know why you called me that but I´m going to miss it and miss laughing so hard our stomachs would hurt.
Frances Krafthefer
June 21, 2024
Thank you for sharing. It´s impossible to know what to say other than offer my condolences to all of you at this most difficult time. There are so many family members I never knew existed. God Bless you, your Mom, sisters, brother and may God get you through your heartbreak.
You loving Cousin Fi
Angel Nava
June 20, 2024
My friend and brother through thick and thin. Street football and hanging out . Miss you. May God bless you in paradise.
Mike C
June 20, 2024
Manuel, growing up, you were Ray´s little brother, but you were like my little brother too. You were always by our side, laughing and hanging out late into the summer nights on my front porch. We´d watch movies, talk about everything and nothing, and every now and then, we´d challenge each other to a game of indoor hoop over the door jam in my house. Man, those games were brutal! We´d end up bruised and hurting, but it was all in good fun. Your mom would get mad, telling you not to hang out with the bigger boys because we´d send you home "bruised and unbalanced," (crying now bro)
I wish we could have had a chance to laugh about those days together now. It´s bittersweet to think back on it. I recently reconnected with Ray, and of course, you were a part of our conversations. Your brother Ray loved you deeply.
I remember you as a kid, always inquisitive, always pushing boundaries, always seeking something more than what was laid out before you. You had a fire in your eyes, and it´s hard to imagine that fire´s gone. I wish I could have told you how much that meant to me - to see you embrace life in your own way, even when it was tough.
It hurts knowing that we didn´t get to spend more time together as adults, to share the kind of grown-up conversations that come with experience and hindsight. We were all part of the 23rd & Drake experience, and I´ll always cherish those moments, the ones that shaped me and shaped our friendship.
I´m holding on to those memories, Manuel. I´m holding on to the hope that you´re out there somewhere, still living life to the fullest, just in a different way. I´ll miss you, my brother from another mother. I love you, and I´ll carry you in my heart always. Until we meet again, rest easy, Manuel.
Gus Estrada
June 20, 2024
Our condolences to the Cruz and Streeter families. We got to know Manny about 3 yrs ago in Nevada, great individual. May he rest in peace.
Love, Gus & Janice Estrada
Chris Houck
June 20, 2024
Chris Houck
June 20, 2024
Chris Houck
June 20, 2024
I knew Manny for just about a year, he even got me to buy a Harley. We travel together for work. We have spent a lot of time together. When we went to Baltimore for work he enjoyed the food (can you tell by photos). Manny was my buddy and i will miss him so much. Ride hard my friend, until we RIDE together again.
Stacey Wing
June 20, 2024
I knew Manny for just over a year, and am grateful for the few times we shared. Always happy, outgoing and kind - he was a beautiful soul and full of love for his wife and family.
Mireya Cruz
June 18, 2024
I'm going to miss you so much pa I love you forever and ever!
Mireya Cruz
June 18, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 18, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 18, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 18, 2024
I will miss you dear brother, with all my , until we meet again in paradise.
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
My brother was loving and kind soul. I will miss you dear brother, with all my heart, until we meet again in paradise.
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
Charmaine Garza
June 17, 2024
My brother always made me laugh. I would tell him to stop! you are going to make me pee in my pants! He was a kind and loving soul. I will miss you brother, until we meet again in paradise.
Shanna & Brian Bentley
June 17, 2024
Manny was a kind soul and the love of my Sisters life, her "ride or die". We will miss his presence in our family
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