Manuel Lara, 76, died at his home in Elgin on Monday, February 5, 2018.
Manuel was born in Mexico on July 27, 1941 to Esperanza (Rodriguez) and Manuel Lara.
Manuel married Magdalena Martinez in a little church in Mexico City. They came to Elgin in 1971 and have lived here ever since with their children, grandchildren and extended family.
Manuel loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren. He was interested in airplanes, cars, soccer, boxing and auto mechanics. Manuel also loved music. There was always music playing. Music in the house, music in the car, music everywhere, but especially in the good old white pickup!
Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jose Luis Lara and infant grandson, Michelangelo Dominic Diaz de Leon.
He is survived by his loving wife, Magdalena Lara; four daughters; Jenny S. Lara, Claudia Sandoval, Teresa Lara, Leticia Lara and two sons; Bernardo (Patricia) Lara and Jesus (Elisa) Lara: plus, eleven grandchildren; Jacob K. Diaz de Leon(27), Luis David Sandoval(26), Michael A. Lara(25), Jason Manuel Diaz de Leon(25), Antonio de Jesus Sandoval(23), Martin Diaz de Leon Jr(23), Mariana Angelina Diaz de Leon(19), Manuel J. Lara(15), Ariana I. Lara(14), Angelina Q. Lara(10), Abigail T. Lara(9) and his sisters; Concepcion Ochoa and Rosalba Silva & their families.
Visitation will be held at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division St., Elgin on Friday, Feb. 9 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Funeral mass will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 272 Division St., Elgin. Interment is immediately following the service at Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery in Elgin. Please call 847-741-1400 for more information or visit our web site at www.oconnor-leetz.com or on Facebook.