Juan Santos Cervantes

Juan S. Cervantes, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home with his children and grandchildren at his side on Thursday, June 12, 2025, after a short but difficult fight against aggressive brain cancer. Loved by many, he was known for his infectious smile and continuous positive energy.

Juan was born in Cotulla, Texas on May 3, 1943, son of Juan Cervantes and Elvira Mendez Cervantes.

When he was ten, his family moved to Racine, Wisconsin where he attended Hansche school and graduated from William Horlick High School “Class of 1961”. He was drafted into the United States Army where he served in Germany.

On January 23, 1971, he was united in marriage to Sylvia Guzman and they were blessed with 3 children Lisa, Andres and Marcella. After 33 years of marriage, his lovely Sylvia passed away on January 20, 2004. Juan was employed by the City of Racine for 35 years, retiring in 1999.

Juan was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher and played on their Dartball League. He was a longtime member of the Moose Lodge #437, where he played dartball and bocce ball with his family and friends. He was a founding member of the Por La Gente Association which focuses of providing academic and athletic scholarships to Latino students. He loved playing softball and was an avid bowler. He was an all-around handyman who enjoyed the outdoors including fishing, having campfires and taking care of his yard. He loved playing the guitar with his sister Maggie and son-in-law Jack as well as teaching his granddaughter Olivia how to play. He loved his team sports like watching the Green Bay Packers at Hansen’s Tap, the Milwaukee Brewers at Suds and Grub and the Wisconsin Badgers at the Moose Lodge. He was the biggest cheerleader of his kids playing sports and coached each of them growing up. As a grandpa he loved going to watch his grandkids’ games and running around his grandson Christian and his friends to practices and meets. He thrived watching his grandson Carlos bowl in leagues and tournaments, always there to encourage. He enjoyed the trip to Potawatomi for some gambling fun and loved bloody Mary’s for a good old Sunday Funday. He will be remembered for his giving spirit and happy, welcoming personality. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone. Above all he treasured the time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Lisa Cervantes (Tony Leissner), Andres (Stacy) Cervantes, Marcella (Jack) Nicholson; grandchildren, Christian, Carlos, and Olivia; siblings, Fred (Virginia) Espinoza, Louie (Colette Salmanowicz) Espinoza, Maggie (Ruben) Tapia and Richard Espinoza. Also his many in-laws- Julio Guzmán, Eddie (Alice) Guzmán, Herman (Joann) Guzmán, Diane (Steve) Malacara, Mario (Karen) Guzmán, Robert (Mary) Guzmán. Also dearly loved best friends and brothers in life Tom Howard and Marco Celeste. He loves and leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia, his father, Juan Cervantes, his mother, Elvira Espinoza, his step-father, Trino Espinoza, his in-laws Juan and Rosa Guzmán, sister-in-law, Marcella Guzmán and cousin, Robert Quintanilla.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., Saturday, June 21. 2025 at 11 am with Rev. Michael Petersen officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the Mass 10-11 am.

The family wishes to extend a thank you to the staff of Aurora At Home Care as well as Aurora Hospice