July 21, 1921 - April 1, 2024
John Bautista Santillanes was born July 21,1921 in San Geronimo, New Mexico. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Juanita and a daughter Gloria. He was the last of his siblings, 5 sisters and one brother. He is survived by daughters Mary Isabel (Max), Marcella, Patsi, Josephine and son John D. Santillanes (Janice), 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
John (dad) came to Loveland in 1942 where he found work at a dairy farm east of Loveland. He worked on that farm for 25 years and raised his family of 5 daughters and one son. He continued his hard work ethics working for Larimer County as the Larimer County Fair Fairgrounds Manager long before it moved to its current location. He then worked for the Larimer County Dept of Transportation for 14 years driving the big trucks and snowplows and then worked for the Big Thompson Ditch company to clean out irrigation ditches and finally retired at the age of 93.
His interests were varied. He loved hunting elk, deer, geese. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Cliff, horses and rodeos a passion shared with his granddaughter Marie, crafting, painting rocks, building small wooden houses. In his later years he enjoyed trips to Estes Park to view wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park, watching the Rockies and as his eyesight diminished listening to the game on the radio. A passion shared with his daughter Marcella, granddaughter Stacey and grandson Chris.
John was very proud of his family. Danny, the fire fighter, David the Artist, Stacey the EMT. He was very grateful for the prayers, loving care and support he received from all of his family especially Marcella and Patsi who was his caregiver for the last years of his life.
John was a man of deep strength, not just physically but an inner strength in faith and family. He will also be remembered for his sense of humor and work ethic to make sure the job was done.
He will be greatly missed by his family.
Recitation of the Rosary, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment, Loveland Burial Park.
Recitation of the Rosary
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
1730 W 12th Street
Loveland, CO 80537
Funeral Service
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
1730 W 12th Street
Loveland, CO 80537
