Rosendo C. Alaniz Sr.

Rosendo C. Alaniz
Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather "papa", great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 30, 2021, at the age of 90 years.

The son of the late Cipriano Alaniz and Petra (Cantu) Alaniz, he was born on February 10, 1931, in Edinburg, Texas. Rosendo attended school in Edinberg, Texas. He married the love of his life, Eva Bernal on July 17, 1954. Rosendo proudly served in the United States Armed Forces, Special Forces and completed three missions until his was Honorably discharged. He retired from General Motors in August 1981 after 18 years of loyal and dedicated service.

Rosendo had a way of lighting up a room with his big smile and his iconic cowboy hat and boots. He was a musician at heart and was known to play his guitar and sing daily. He loved going out to eat and was a regular at many local restaurants in the area. He had a playful sense of humor and called everyone his "favorite". A founding member of St. Anthony's Spanish choir, he played for approximately 49 years throughout the region for a number of church masses, weddings, funerals, novenas, and quinceañeras with his family. Rosendo also played the guitar for 75 years and taught guitar lessons to many. He was a great storyteller and would often reminisce of past adventures of his time as a boy, in the army, or his many travels. Rosendo had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. He also enjoyed carpentry and driving truck.

Surviving is his spouse, Eva; and their children: Rosendo Jr. (Rosa) Alaniz, Rueben (Anna) Alaniz, Rene (Kimberly) Alaniz, and Rosalinda Alaniz (James Rueda), Mary "Velia" (Rolland) Murray, Gilbert "Bobby" Alaniz, Reynaldo Alaniz; 26 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren; siblings: Ricardo (Josie) Alaniz, and Mary (Rick) Gauthier. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Besides his parents, Rosendo was preceded in death by his son: Raymond Bird; grandchildren: Rosendo "Sonny" Alaniz III, Rachael Premo; siblings: Roberto Alaniz, Lionel Alaniz, Crusita Sandford and Guadalupe Alaniz.

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3680 S. Washington Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Rev. Fr. Alberto Vargas will officiate with entombment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Military Honors will take place under the Auspices of the United States Armed Forces and the American GI Forum. Friends may visit the family from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral chapel. Friends may also visit the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.