Manuel Cantu Gonzalez

Manuel “Menjo” Cantu Gonzalez, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17th at his home in Yakima, Washington. He joined his wife, Lupita “Lu” Gonzalez, to whom he was married to for 56 years, in heavenly peace.

Manuel was born on March 7, 1935, in San Benito, Texas, to Manuel Sayas Gonzalez and Olivia Cantu. He was raised in San Benito and graduated high school there. He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Wayne) Gonzalez Broadt, Michael (Marie) Gonzalez, Lizzette (David) Gonzalez Reynolds, and Matthew Gonzalez, his sisters Olivia Gutierrez and Maria Varnado and brothers Gustavo, Gilberto, and Jose Rafael Gonzalez. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He raised his children on Greenway Street in Harlingen, working up to four jobs to support his family. He eventually retired from Fruit of the Loom to assist his children in raising their families. He worked as a machinist at Cooper Aviation, Carter's as a machine operator, and as a projectionist at various cinemas in Harlingen and San Benito.

Manuel will be remembered for his ability to love everyone, his kindness, gentleness, and humor. He was the sweetest grandfather, father, husband and brother. Manuel was the most caring and loving person who had a huge hand in raising not only his children but also his grandchildren. He was a prominent member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Anthony’s Catholic churches for many years and served as an aisle greeter/seater at these churches.

He greatly supported his children and grandchildren at their events, including coaching softball for his daughters, coaching his son in football and baseball, and cheering on all his children in their sporting and extracurricular events. He was the consummate soccer grandpa for his grandchildren and was at every game possible. Whenever his Latina wife, daughters or granddaughters were upset or too excited, he loved to tell them to “take it easy”, and that calmed down many passionate situations.

He spoke to all of the dogs in his life with a silliness only he and the dogs understood, and loved having his portly dachshund, Saki, by his side for many years.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nursing team at Davita Dialysis, along with caregivers Lovell Rodriguez and Evelyn Gonzales for their assistance the last years he spent in Yakima with his daughter and her family. Manuel loved his wife and family deeply and we are all grateful that he has joined her in heaven.

Arrangements for a service in Harlingen at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and at Restlawn Cemetery are pending.