His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery with military honors provided. Visitation will be Wednesday 5-7 pm and Thursday 1-5 pm at Gering Memorial Chapel. A Rosary will be Thursday at 6 pm at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com.
Fernando was born April 17, 1944 in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico to Eduardo and Lilia Lopez. He attended school at Haig, Gering Valley, Upper Mitchell Springer, Minatare Middle School and Scottsbluff High School. He left school to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1963. While enlisted he was part of the 87th Infantry. He did basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX, Fort Irwin, CA and Baumholder, Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman Rifle Badge. He was honorably discharged in July 1966. On March 20, 1969 he was united in marriage to Diamantina (Barbara) Moreno to this union 6 children were born: Debbie, Fernando, Amy, Nicolas, Angela and David.
Fernando worked for Gifford-Hill before relocating the family to Hammond, Indiana, where he worked for Stauffer Chemical for 20 years. The family returned to Scottsbluff area to be closer to his parents and in-laws. After their passing’s Fernando and Barbara relocated back to Indiana. Fernando worked for Omni Health until his retirement in 2015.
Fernando was very proud of his time in the service, an avid bowler, you couldn’t be his kid if you didn’t know how to bowl. He was a New York Yankees fan and an even bigger Derek Jeter fan. His family will miss his outrageous stories, colorful words, his love of dancing and music.
Fernando is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Lopez; children Debbie Lopez, Fernando J Lopez, Amy (Dana) Taylor, Nicolas Lopez, Angela (Christopher) Zeiler and David Lopez; 17 grandchildren – Richard, Julian, Tatiana Hernandez, Roman Cruz La Santa, Sabrena (Jesse), Fernando Lopez, Jayson (Raven), Janelle, Olivia Taylor, Exavior, Aziza, Noah, Nathanial, Izabella Zeiler, Emily, Devin Lopez and Jeremy Bonanno. And one great grandchild Roman Lopez-Mexicano. Sister Alicia Palomo. Aunt Josie Magana, Nieces Lori (Martin) Munoz, Lisa Lozano, Natalie Castillo and Melissa (Hector) Velasco. Nephews Daniel and Michael Palomo. Numerous other nieces and nephews.
Fernando was preceded in death by his parents Eduardo and Lilia Lopez, in-laws Juan and Augustina Moreno, sister Irene Castillo, niece Irene Palomo, great niece Alexus Munoz and special uncles Ruben and Robert Lopez.
