Guadalupe A. Castaneda, Sr.

Guadalupe A. Castaneda, Sr., 74, of Niles, died peacefully Monday, October 28, 2024, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began December 12, 1949, in Harlingen, Texas, the second of four children born to Roberto and Louisa Castaneda. He married Irma Saldana March 8,1967 in Mercedes, Texas. 

Guadalupe and Irma’s parents lived in Texas and were migrant workers who traveled together throughout the United States. Guadalupe and Irma met as young children, grew to be friends, eventually married in 1967, and started their family. The family continued to travel as migrants, but in 1980, Guadalupe made the brave decision to settle their family in Dowagiac, Michigan. His goal for his children was to break the historic chain of migration. The first few years were quite a struggle as their children began to attend school as Spanish speaking only.

Guadalupe, Irma, along with their children worked for Dwan’s Fruit Farm where they became “like family” to the late Edwin Dwan and his wife Elizabeth. The Castaneda Family will be forever grateful for the kindness and loving support given to them.

When Guadalupe settled in Dowagiac, he was Spanish speaking, with limited English, and a 6th grade education. His goal was to learn the English language which took three years to accomplish. 

Once he enhanced his English skills, he began working on his next goal of graduating high school. After three years of hard work Guadalupe obtained his high school diploma, graduating from Dowagiac Union High School class of 1993.

Guadalupe instilled the importance of hard work, education, and to never be satisfied, striving for more. He worked in various occupations including Texas Citrus Black Fly, Farming, Landscaping, Sister Lakes Migrant Program teaching math, and Country Manor Assistant Living for the disabled. 

Guadalupe will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Irma Castaneda of Niles; daughter, Aida Castaneda of Dowagiac; sons, Guadalupe (Kamoka) Castaneda, Jr. of Dowagiac, Jimmy Castaneda of Terre Haute, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Christina Castaneda of Benton Harbor, Matthew Klees of Michigan, Joshua (Brandy) Taggart of Indian Lake, Nathan Klees of Kalamazoo, Tyler Collins of Chicago, Illinois, Katie (Darren) Pond of Battle Creek, Marissa (Nick) Allen of Dowagiac, Makaela Castaneda of Dowagiac, Caleigh Castaneda; thirteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Sierra Klees; great granddaughter, Ahnnaliyah Klees; and his brothers, Luis Castaneda, an infant brother, and Freddy Castaneda.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, November 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, with The Reverend Father Christian Johnston officiating.

Mr. Castaneda will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Guadalupe be made to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120, to assist the family in defraying expenses. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.