Lupe G. Vasquez, 86, of Galesburg, died peacefully at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, January 14 ,2021 at home with his family by his side.
Lupe was born December 5, 1934 in Ft. Madison, IA, the son of Juan and Margarita (Diaz) Vasquez. He graduated from Ft. Madison High School and later married Jennie “Jane” C. Padilla on December 4, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. Lupe is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jennie of Galesburg; three sons, Diego Vasquez of Decatur, Victor (Pamela) Vasquez of Galesburg, and Armando (Nicole) Vasquez of Knoxville; three daughters, Margaret Vasquez of Knoxville, Joan (Stephen) Smith of Galesburg, and Sonya (Jeff) Jones of Galesburg; one brother, Carlos Vasquez of Ft. Madison, IA; and one sister, Mary (Ed) Mendez of Ft. Madison, IA. Lupe is also survived by his 14 beloved grandchildren, Marissa (Hubert) Pulley, Erika Smith, Dakota Smith, Joe Smith, Jacob Smith, Alyssa Vasquez, Samantha Vasquez, Victor Vasquez, Jr., Mercedes Vasquez, Benjamin Vasquez, Haley Jones, Nathan Jones, Lucas Vasquez, and Madison Vasquez; and 5 great grandchildren, Aaliyah, Hubert, Aria, Isabella, and Samson. Along with his parents, Lupe was preceded in death by four brothers, Joe “Chi”, Marion, Leonard, and John.
Lupe spent most of his working career working as a meter changer for Ameren, retiring on June 30, 2001 after 28 years. He was a longtime faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. While in high school, Lupe was quite an athlete, carrying that into adulthood, he played several years of fast pitch softball in the 1960’s. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid photographer, his camera was never too far away. Lupe enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals while sipping on an ice-cold Budweiser. He was a faithful father and grandfather, attending all his children’s and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. He taught his family “If you give respect, you will get respect.”
Public visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy will be enforced. Private family funeral mass will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg. Father Lee Brokaw will officiate. Those wishing to attend the funeral mass virtually may log on to www.facebook.com/WatsonThomasFH 1:30p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 to view the funeral mass. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Lupe’s memory to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Galesburg IL and The Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
