Obituary
Ernie Cruz, 51, of Dekalb, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Kishwaukee Community Hospital. He was born on March 3, 1966, the seventh of eight children of Jorge and Alma (Rojas) Cruz. Ernie was united in marriage to Susan Dalenberg on September 16, 1989 in Chicago.
Ernie worked for UPS for 18 years. Most recently, he was employed at the Target Distribution Center. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University while working part time and helping to raise his oldest daughter, Tana, who was one at the time. Ernie and Sue worked as background actors in Chicago, appearing in numerous TV shows and movies that were set there. Sue was the one who really wanted to do it, and Ernie begrudgingly followed along but came to enjoy it himself. Sue also loved to volunteer rescuing dachsunds. Ernie found himself enjoying the drive with her to pick up or drop off the dogs at numerous rescue centers around the area. Ernie loved the outdoors, especially camping and building bonfires. He would make any excuse he could to build a fire and sit beside it for hours. Ernie had a wickedly funny sense of humor. He was always laughing and joking. He was extremely proud of his children, talking about them any chance he got. Ernie was always eager to help people in any way that he could. With that in mind, his family honored his generous spirit by having Ernie enrolled with the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Sue Cruz, of DeKalb; three children, Tana, Austin, and Salina Cruz, all of DeKalb, IL; all of his furry friends at home; six siblings, George Cruz of Hazel Crest, IL, Mario (Gina) Cruz of DeKalb, Sergio Cruz, of Cincinnati, OH, Edward (Joann) Cruz of Homewood, IL, Sandy Salmen of Tinley Park, IL, and Rose (Joe) Martin of New Lenox, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ernie is preceded in death by a brother, Al Cruz.
Per Ernie's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private service will be held by the family.
Contributions in Ernie's memory may be directed to Midwest Dachshund Rescue, 2023 Ridgewood St., Highland, IN 46322 (www.MWDR.org) or Doxie Tales Rescue at www.youcaring.com/ErnieCruz. Please visit www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Ernie worked for UPS for 18 years. Most recently, he was employed at the Target Distribution Center. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University while working part time and helping to raise his oldest daughter, Tana, who was one at the time. Ernie and Sue worked as background actors in Chicago, appearing in numerous TV shows and movies that were set there. Sue was the one who really wanted to do it, and Ernie begrudgingly followed along but came to enjoy it himself. Sue also loved to volunteer rescuing dachsunds. Ernie found himself enjoying the drive with her to pick up or drop off the dogs at numerous rescue centers around the area. Ernie loved the outdoors, especially camping and building bonfires. He would make any excuse he could to build a fire and sit beside it for hours. Ernie had a wickedly funny sense of humor. He was always laughing and joking. He was extremely proud of his children, talking about them any chance he got. Ernie was always eager to help people in any way that he could. With that in mind, his family honored his generous spirit by having Ernie enrolled with the Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Sue Cruz, of DeKalb; three children, Tana, Austin, and Salina Cruz, all of DeKalb, IL; all of his furry friends at home; six siblings, George Cruz of Hazel Crest, IL, Mario (Gina) Cruz of DeKalb, Sergio Cruz, of Cincinnati, OH, Edward (Joann) Cruz of Homewood, IL, Sandy Salmen of Tinley Park, IL, and Rose (Joe) Martin of New Lenox, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Ernie is preceded in death by a brother, Al Cruz.
Per Ernie's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private service will be held by the family.
Contributions in Ernie's memory may be directed to Midwest Dachshund Rescue, 2023 Ridgewood St., Highland, IN 46322 (www.MWDR.org) or Doxie Tales Rescue at www.youcaring.com/ErnieCruz. Please visit www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ernie Cruz, please visit our flower store.
Ernie Cruz's Guestbook
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