Crisanto Contreras, 82, passed away on February 12, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born November 22, 1940 in Jalisco, Mexico to the late Felix and Soledad Contreras.
Crisanto is survived by his loving wife, Leticia Contreras and daughters Yadira (Daniel) Contreras-Meza, Alicia (Christopher) Contreras-Donello, Ofelia (To) Contreras-Dang and his grandchildren Luna, Soleil, Micaela, Natalia and Dominic. He is also survived by his four sisters and several nieces and nephews. Crisanto was known as a loving husband, father, and grandfather and cared dearly for his large extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Soledad Contreras, four sisters, and five brothers.
In celebration of our father Crisanto's life, we would like to share a bit of his story. As a 17-year-old young man, he left the only home he ever knew, Jalisco, Mexico for the United States.
He arrived in California alone leaving his parents and siblings behind in search of the "American Dream". While in California, he worked the fields picking grapes and did other backbreaking work. Shortly, he returned to Mexico. In his mid-twenties, he decided to make his way back to the United States but this time to Illinois. He met our mother; they married, built a life together, and had three girls.
Fast forward 50+ years since our father first arrived to this country, he became a US citizen, something that he dreamed of for many years. He proudly voted for the first time in the 2008 election. Our father was funny, humble, and a hardworking man. He sacrificed so much for our
family, working two jobs to ensure we had a roof over our head and food on the table, and always made sure "his girls" were taken care of. He set a great example for his children and future grandchildren. Our father only wanted what was best for his family.
He saw his three girls graduate from universities, something he did not know was even possible given that he only received a basic education himself. He was proud to see his girls work toward achieving their own "American Dream". He saw his beautiful family grow and was proud of the struggle that he and our mother endured to thrive in the United States and make their dreams a reality. He hoped to return to his homeland after retirement but due to heath issues, he never did. Our mother kept her promise to care for him until his last day. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and three daughters. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:30 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to St. Nicholas Catholic Church at 12:00 PM. Interment at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 16, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, IL 60506. 630-631-5500.
Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave online condolences for Crisanto's family.