Raul Saldivar Obituary (Updated)

 

Obituary for Raul Saldivar, Sr.

Raul Saldivar, Sr., 89, beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024 at his home in Donna, Texas. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Minden with Fr. Maurice Current officiating. Interment will be held later that day at 1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Axtell. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. Memorials in Raul’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Raul was born October 10, 1934 in San Benito, Texas to Santos Serna and Augustine Saldivar. Raul was united in marriage to Julia Alvarado in 1956 and together they built a life and family. They settled in Axtell where they raised five children: Raul Jr., Rene’, Rolando, David, and Mary.

Raul worked for the Axtell and Funk Co-op until his retirement. He was an avid sports enthusiast and played softball as a pitcher in the Axtell and Funk leagues. He had a generous spirit, enjoyed fixing bikes and donating them to children in need.

Raul will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His laughter, kindness, and love for life will forever remain in our hearts.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Raul (Ellen) Saldivar, Jr. of Omaha, Rene’ (Cindi) Saldivar of Kearney, Rolando Saldivar of Omaha, Mary Saldivar of Phoenix, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Jose Saldivar of San Benito, TX, Robert Saldivar, Sr. of Houston, TX, Jesse (Chris) Saldivar of San Benito, TX, Augustine Saldivar, Jr., of Mercedes, TX, Gilbert Saldivar of Harlingen, TX, Alicia (David) Duran of Dallas, TX, and Martha (Gilbert) Anzaldua of Harlingen, TX; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his son, David Saldivar in 1981.

Dick Nelson

 I heard from Darlene Jansen today that Dick Nelson has passed away. From what she knew, he had fallen about a week ago. I have looked everywhere for more information on Dick but could find nothing. Dick and his wife Anita were long-time residents of Magnolia Park. They lived on Pecos and I remember them both very well. Dick was an excellent pool shooter although in later years he didn't play much. If I find more information I will post it.

Raul Saldivar

 

Cindy Peterson called today to tell me that Raul Saldivar passed away on Monday, August 19 of a massive heart attack at his residence in Magnolia Park. I looked for an obituary but all it said was he was born in 1934 and was 89 years old. We remember Raul well, I would meet him lots of times in the park somewhere or he would be sitting on a bench in front of the office or riding his bike around. I remember him saying it's okay to go to Mexico but you just make sure you are out of there before dark. I remember taking this picture, he wouldn't take his hat off and it made no difference to me. We think we remember him telling us he worked in Nebraska and Jim thinks Raul told us that he was born in the Rio Grande Valley. He was a very nice man and we liked him a lot. I do appreciate Cindy letting me know so that I could let you all know.

Another Birthday

 I had a call this evening from Elaine Misfeldt and she told me that JoAnne Keyser, who I'm sure many of you remember, is having her 90th birthday on August 17. Joanne and her husband Jerry lived back on Cummings and she also worked at the flea market. I remember her well because when Jim and I went down to pick up our first RV, a Trek which Chet and Irma had found for us, she and Jerry went out of their way to be nice to us. It was in the summer and most winter Texans were long gone and they went out of their way to be helpful.

Her address is PO Box 185, Callaway Nebraska 68825 and I'm sure she would appreciate hearing from her former Magnolia friends.

Other than that, I have no other news. Summer is winding down, here it is August already. It's been very hot and sticky the last several days but tomorrow is going to be much cooler with rain in the forecast.

Our Amish neighbors have their roadside produce stand open for business so we have had our first meal of sweet corn and actually, our second meal too. It's so good and the season is so short that we enjoy it at every opportunity. It's almost time for Jim to harvest his honey. He's hoping for another good year but it's a bit early to really know what is out there. We plan to take two cases south with us as there have been many requests for Jim's honey as it's much better than what you will find in the store.

As always, if you have news, please let me know.