Refugio "Coke" Mendez

Simon, Kathy & I are sorry to hear of you fathers passing but we both know he was waiting to be with Francis again, let that set your heart at ease. We met your father at the Anoka co. fair in 1973. I was carrying Melissa on my back in a child carrier,she was less then 1 yr. old. We ended up standing there talking to your dad for more than a hour.That was the start of a 37 year friendship with all of you and we couldn't have met a more caring family. With the family roots you have I know you will carry on in the same tradition of your Mom & Dad.

Simon and family: I am so sorry about Coke's passing. I will always remember him from our days together at the Marriott Hotel in Bloomington. He was a good friend, someone who could always lift my spirits. We had good times at the hotel. I am blessed that I had a chance to know him.

My daughter and I learned of Coke's passing while in Owatonna Saturday night at the El Sol stand. We looked around for him and then were told he had passed away...how sad. He was a friend and someone we looked forward to seeing every year at that small fair and also the state fair. We were always welcomed with hugs and stood and chatted before enjoying a wonderful El Sol Burrito! We missed him Saturday night and will continue to miss him every time we go to get an El Sol Burrito. A wonderful man and friend, Pat Farrington of Eden Prairie.

Simon and Family,
My name is Toni and I'm one of Jr. and Mona's daughters. I've known your dad for many many years and he was one of the nicest people I knew. My family always stopped at El Sol every year when we went to the State Fair to talk to your him and buy one of those great burritos he made. He always knew I was one of the "Moreno girls", but he didn't know which one. I remember one time when my youngest son came home from the fair to tell me he saw "Pepsi". I said, "who's Pepsi" and he said, you know that guy from El Sol. I couldn't stop laughing. Coke is happy now that he's with his beloved Franny. Take care and remember the good times.

To my good friend Simon, my deepest condolences on your dad's death. Your dad (& mother) were great loving people & a positive influence on my life. Remember the "party" in the summer room (& in the middle of winter) on Cherokee? I think some of us might of got drunk, hmmmmmmmm! My prayers go out to you & your family.

Dear Mendez Family,

My heart and prayers go out to you. May God comfort you through this time of sorrow. My Padrino Coke is now in heaven received by loving arms.

Maria Sarzoza
Quincenera Goddaughter

simon and family i am sorry for your loss of your father/grandfather he was a great man and a wonderful pesonality and his food was fantastic,thank you so much.larry nava and family.

Mendez family,

I am so sorry to hear about Coke's passing! Funny...I was just thinking about all of you the other day when I took a Mountain Dew out of the freezer and it was slushy...just like you guys would have ready for Lisa and I out on the show. No one even comes close to the fabulous food you guys serve up! Being out on O'Neil's and having you guys there was priceless!!! Just like Lori said, there are people welcoming Coke home...will be visiting you at the State Fair this year...as usual!

My sympathy's are with you all and wish I could be there today, but sending my love and will say a prayer for you all and God Bless you!

Papa Coke... you are missed. When I was growing up, you & Fran were like an extra set of parents for me out on the carnival. We lost Dad in this last week, also. I can only imagine that you're all getting together in Heaven to catch up with each other. You are loved. Simon - we just heard today, and we're so sorry for your loss.

Simon and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss, and my thought are with you and your family.
We also lost my Dad, but on Friday, so we just found out today about Coke. I remember growing up on Grandpa's carnival and it being a special treat to have Coke's burritos for dinner instead of a corn dog....
Just think, Grandpa Joe, Grandma Millie, Coke, Fran, Evelyn and I believe Wes, all sitting around the great Midway in the sky....
he will be missed by many.

Simon: I was so sorry to read about the loss of your dear Dad. I know how close you were to him. May all your memories give you smiles and comfort. Pete & Pattie Strub

To Mendez family from the the Montantes family we are sending you our most deepest condolences. He was greatly knowen by Filomeno Montantes who is also with the the Father in Heaven, But now they will be together again. May God keep your family at his bossom in this time of need.. Montantes family.

Simon: Sorry for your loss. Kathy & I will miss your father very much. The world has lost a good man, but you mother has you dad at her side again. They were a great couple. Our friendship started 36 years ago and it will continue in our hearts. Fred & Kathy Keller + Melissa,Troy,Angie

Mendez Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry to hear about Coke.

Love,

Nickie, Marc, Brady, and Will Carrigan

To the Coke Mendez Family,

Our deep sympathy to the Coke Mendez Family on the loss of your Father, Grandfather and Greatgrandfather. I worked with and became acquainted with Coke, Frances, and Family at the Food Show Building at the Minnesota State Fair when I worked with George Trussell. Coke and Frances were wonderful people to have known and worked with. We are sorry we cannot make it to the funeral. Our deep sympathy and God's Blessings. From Leslie & Lucille Smith & Sons

Simon: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Coke was a good friend for many years and will be missed.

Coke,
You will be greatly missed. May your kind soul rest in perfect peace.