Frank Montez

1932 - 2026

Frank Montez
Born: December 3, 1932
Died: March 3, 2026
Frank Joseph Montez, 93, of DePue, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 3, 2026, at the Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle, where he resided since October 14, 2024.
A funeral Mass of Christian burial for Frank will begin at Noon on Monday, March 9, at Nativity of Our Lord Parish (St. Anthony Church) in Spring Valley. The Rev. Scott Potthoff will officiate. Visitation for Frank will be held Monday morning, at the church, from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral services. Cremation will be accorded following services, with burial at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DePue at a later date.
The Barto Funeral Home, Spring Valley, is honored to be assisting Frank's family.
Frank was born on December 3, 1932, in Spring Valley, to Serbiano and Amelia (Padilla) Montez. He married his first wife, Martha Wright, on August 1, 1959, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in DePue. They had three children, David, Patti, and Lori. Martha passed away in July of 1969. Frank then married Inez (Gusman) Cruz in Rock Island on April 24, 1970. They celebrated 53 years of marriage. Together they catered weddings, for both family and friends. They also enjoyed attending Mexican dances in which Frank stole the dance floor.
Frank was a graduate of DePue High School, Class of 1952. He enjoyed playing basketball, and his team was later inducted into the Illinois Valley Hall of Fame. He joined the United States Army in February of 1953 and was a veteran of the Korean War Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Frank was employed at General Motors for 17 years, Bassicks in Spring Valley for 15 years, and then retired from the DePue Schools after 15 years of service as the school custodian.
Frank loved his family more than anything and loved to attend the yearly family reunions, where he would dance the night away with his family. He also loved his country by proudly serving in the Army. He honored his fellow veterans by placing the American flags at the local cemeteries on Memorial Day for many years. He was a proud lifelong member of the DePue American Legion and DePue V.F.W. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, AMVETS Post #0026, Eagles Aerie #2698, and both the DePue Men's Club and Booster Club. One thing he loved and looked forward to every year was the DePue Booster Club's Easter Egg Hunt, where he handed out the eggs for many years. He also loved watching the DePue Boat Races every summer.
Frank is survived by his children, David (Julie) Montez of Spring Valley, Patti (Roger) Harrison of Peru, Lori LaBonte of Green Bay, WI, Ron Cruz of DePue, and Jim Cruz of Princeton; 18 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Inez in 2023; his daughter, Julie Pyszka; two sons-in-law, Rich Pyszka and Leo LaBonte; his grandson, Tyler Harrison; brothers, Zeke and Patrick Montez; and sisters, Juanita and Alvera.
Frank's family would like to sincerely thank the V.A. staff who took such great care of him during his stay there, as well as OSF hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider a donation to the Illinois Veterans Home at LaSalle in memory of Frank.
A guestbook may be signed and memories shared with the family by visiting bartofh.com.