John De La Rosa
John De La Rosa, 80, of Oakfield passed away Saturday, June 22nd 2013 at St. Agnes Hospital. He was born on September 3rd, 1932 in Rosenberg, Texas, the son of Porfirio and Adelita De La Rosa. On September 23, 1951 he married Pilar Casias in Lomira, WI.
Survivors include his wife, Pilar, of 62 years and his four children, daughters Adela and her husband Lupe Teran of El Dorado, Jane and her husband Jerry Medina of Oakfield, Hilda and her husband John Uelmen of Fond du Lac, son John R. De La Rosa of Cascade, eight grandchildren, Daniel J. Mendoza, Destiny (Ryan) Sorensen, Dallas (Connie) Mendoza, Jesse (Michelle) Teran, Juanita (Cesar) Teran, Jerry Jr. (Meredith) Medina, Nicole and Johnny Uelmen and 13 great grandchildren, two sisters Tomey De La Rosa and Elia D. Pedroza, and numerous nieces and nephews, and a brother-in-law who he admired as a true brother, David Gonzalez of San Antonio, TX. John was preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters Goya Gonzalez and Paz Hernandez, and two brothers Tony and Paul Zapata.
Our Father’s interests were many, including hunting, fishing, and playing cards. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling, hardball, horseshoes, snowmobiling and having fun with his many buddies in Oakfield. His biggest passion in life was spending time with his family who he was very proud of.
He worked at the Friday Canning Company in Oakfield for nearly 30 years before retiring – also operating the migrant camp during the canning season. He and his wife were in charge of over 100 migrant workers. After his retirement, he enjoyed interpreting for the Fond du Lac County Court system. He was a past member of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department and Club Hispano in Fond du Lac, and was a current member of the Oakfield Lions Club and Knights of Columbus in Fond du Lac.
In 1981, John and his wife opened De La Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant in Fond du Lac, embarking on a life-long goal they each shared. In 1984, they relocated the restaurant to his hometown in Oakfield, WI. That part of their dream came to end in 2005, when John and Pilar decided to close De La Rosa’s Restaurant.
John was a very loving and giving man, who was loved by everyone who knew him. He will be truly missed.
Visitation: John’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Zacherl Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 4:30 until 8:00 PM. There is also visitation on Thursday, June 27, from 9:00 until 10:45 AM at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac.
Service: At 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 26, at Holy Family Church, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in Avoca Cemetery, Oakfield.
Memorials in his name may be directed to his family.
Zacherl Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. www.zacherlfuneralhome.com