Cruz Elodio Araujo, Jr.

Cruz E. Araujo, Jr., 66, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Monday, June 20, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. He was born October 22, 1944, in Lexington, Nebraska to Cruz E., Sr. and Consuelo (Ceballos) Araujo. Cruz attended school in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1963. Following high school he worked and was united in marriage to Donna Flint, two boys were born to this union; Brett and Matt. He was then united in marriage to Mary Varley on April 10, 1997, where he welcomed Mary’s daughter Rachel as his own and the couple were blessed with two more children, Nathan and Sarah. During Cruz’s working years he worked for the hay mill, Paulsen Construction, Hampton Construction and retired from IBP in 1996. To say Cruz was a character is an understatement! He had a wonderful sense of humor and left his family with many happy memories. He was happiest when he was coaching baseball, which he did for many years, being with his children and grandchildren and cruising with his bulldog “Cooper”. Cruz also loved to play pool, fish and hunt. He will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his wife: Mary Araujo of Lexington, Nebraska. Three sons: Brett (Theresa) Araujo of Overton, Nebraska. Matt (Jolene) Araujo of Lexingotn, Nebraska. Nathan (fiancé Jenny Vacura) Araujo of Lexington, Nebraska. Two daughters: Rachel (Jeff) Schade of Grand Island, Nebraska. Sarah Araujo of Lexington, Nebraska. Two brothers: Mike (Sharon) Araujo of Lexington, Nebraska. Pete (Linda) Araujo of Oxford, Nebraska. One sister: Susie (Charles) Engel of Grand Island, Nebraska. Eleven grandchildren: Jacob, Justin, Josh, Jada & Jordan Araujo of Overton, Nebraska; Brandon & Blaine Araujo of Lexington, Nebraska; Brook, Annabelle & Jeffrey Schade of Grand Island, Nebraska and Aubrey Vacura of Lexington, Nebraska. Cruz was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard and one granddaughter, Brittany McCurdy. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, June 24, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Paul Colling officiating. Burial will be in the St. Ann’s Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, 2011, from 4-6 p.m. with Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. all at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.