Juan Erasmo Saenz

RIO GRANDE CITY - JUAN ERASMO SAENZ, 85, DIED ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019 AT STARR CO. MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN RIO GRANDE CITY, TX.  SANCHEZ FUNERAL HOME OF RIO GRANDE CITY WILL BE IN CHARGE OF HIS FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

Juan Erasmo Saenz, 85, went to be with our Lord, Saturday January 12, 2019. He was born on June 24, 1933 in Las Delicias Ranch, Starr County, Texas to Santiago Saenz and Fidela Alaniz Saenz. Juan was predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters; Josefa Saenz Guerra, Getrudis Saenz Rodriguez, Graciano Saenz, Gabriel Saenz, Nestor Saenz, Manuelita Saenz Elizondo, Beatriz Saenz Lopez, Roberto Saenz, Amalia Saenz Longoria, Elias Saenz, Ramiro Saenz, Haydee Saenz Longoria, Santiago Saenz Jr. and Emma Saenz Falcon. Arnoldo Saenz is his sole surviving sibling. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Alicia Ortiz Saenz and five children: Juan Erasmo Saenz Jr. (Nelda), Melissa Yvette Ramirez (Anthony), Beatriz Illeana Salazar (Martin), Xavier Roberto Saenz (Sandra) and Hiram Saenz (Magdalena). He has 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

            His parents moved to Rio Grande City when he was 14 years old and attended Rio Grande City High School. He enlisted in the United States Army his junior year of high school and served honorably. After his discharge he returned home and re-enrolled in high school where he met the love of his life and bride of 58 years Alicia Ortiz. He attended Pan American College and taught physical education at La Union and La Grulla Schools for two years. He changed careers and worked for the USDA at Moore Air Field in the Screwworm Eradication Program. Close friend Guadalupe Villarreal convinced him to run for public office as the candidate for the District Clerk Office. Juan Erasmo loyally and faithfully severed his community for 32 years in this capacity until his retirement at the age of 74. 

            Juan Erasmo loved life. He loved God, he loved his family and he loved his ranch, Las Delicias. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by all.