Jose L. Cruz

Jose “Joe” L. Cruz, 94, of Cheyenne, passed on September 5, 2023 at the VA Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 15, 1929, to Manuel and Pablita Cruz in Rainsville, New Mexico. He was the third of four sons.
He served in the Korean War. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 6. He met the love of his life, Elma Montoya, at a dance. They eloped shortly afterwards at the ages of 23 and 17. They were happily married for almost 49 years.
Joe was a truck driver for Salt Creek Freightways. He was retired longer than his years worked. He was a teamster union member his entire career. In Jose’s younger years he was a roper but throughout his life he loved playing baseball, fishing, going on picnics and spending Sundays with his family.
Joe is survived by his daughters, Isabelle (Don) Brehm of Erie, CO and Gloria Cruz of Cheyenne; son, Mark (Janet) Cruz of Meade, CO; grandsons, Justin, Brandon, Kellen; granddaughter, Marisa; six great grandchildren, Jyllian, Javyn, Kiera, Bennett, Taiden and Makenzie; younger brother, Othmedo Cruz of Rainsville, NM.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Elma; parents; two brothers; one sister; and one half-sister.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023, in Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel with military honors. A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus.