Jenaro "Jerry" Cisneros

Jenaro "Jerry" Cisneros, 99 ½ , of Aurora, IL, passed away on October 26, 2025, surrounded by his family after a life well lived. He was born on April 26, 1926, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the son of Genaro and Juanita (Salazar) Cisneros. He is now in the company of his wife dancing together again.

Jerry proudly served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II. During this time, he endured the hardships of being marched from the Dachau concentration camp near the end of the war- a testament to his courage and strength. Surviving one of history's darkest chapters he emerged with a deep appreciation for his faith and steadfast belief in doing what was right.

After the war he married his beloved wife Ramona and they would spend the next 66 years together before her passing in 2016. A gifted dancer and instructor, he brought joy to countless others with his rhythm, grace and enthusiasm. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he was President of the Guadalupana Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered his time generously as an usher, visitor of the sick, school board member and in other various capacities. He was a member of the VFW, Moose Lodge, Mexican American Club, Aurora Boys Baseball and many civic organizations. He built a beautiful life rooted in family, community and purpose. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, never meeting a stranger. He often reminded hid family to "be respectful and get involved" values he lived by every day.

His personal motto "you either have a clean conscience or no conscience," guided the way he treated others and faced life's challenges. Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, deep love for dance, his generous heart, and the lessons of respect and integrity that he instilled in everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his children; Margie (Gunter) Majzner, Jimmy Cisneros, Jeffrey Cisneros, Mary (Fred Arreguin) Barclay and John (Silvia) Cisneros; daughter-in-law Jan Cisneros; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Annie Reyna, 1 half-brother, 2 half-sisters; several nieces and nephews and his beloved caregiver, Joel Hilgan.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ramona; son, Jerry; 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

Family will be receiving guests on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538. Funeral mass will be on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church 722 High Street, Aurora, IL. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Aurora, IL.