Eloy Cantu

Eloy Cantu was a man who loved people. His family was his most prized possession, and from an early age, he showed love for his parents, grandparents, and later, his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Eloy was the king of small joys. His candid demeanor, smile, and quick wit will live in the hearts of all who knew him.

Eloy Mario Cantu was born on February 15, 1934, in the town of Weslaco, Texas. His father, Francisco, and mother, Ignacia, were joyed to welcome their first child into the world. He would later be joined by Graciela, Joe, Sylvia, and Hector. Francisco ran a small grocery store in their town, and Ignacia worked at the local JC Penny store. Weslaco was a small town in south Texas where agriculture was a staple of living, and there was much need in the community as migrant workers would come across the border to work. Eloy would witness the kindness that his parents would show to people in need, and though they were by no means rich with material goods, they shared with others. This was very impressionable on Eloy, and he would model their behavior for the rest of his life. It wasn’t only material goods that he would share, but it was wisdom, caring, and affection that he would show to others time and time again.

From a noticeably young age, Eloy felt a calling from God to serve. As a youth, he would wake up at 5:30 am and walk to church to serve as an altar server. Though he was never “called” to be a priest, he showed the love of Christ through his compassion and love to others, just as Jesus taught his disciples. He saw the goodness in others and gave them the benefit of the doubt, even when they stole something from him.

As a young man of 15, he met Maria Magdalena Ramirez, better known as Maggie. Maggie’s mother thought she was too young to have a boyfriend, so even though they only lived a few blocks from each other, they wrote letters. This was the beginning of a 75-year love affair that he had with her. They had 5 wonderful children and saw the world as they loved to travel. When they took their vows on December 16, 1955, they committed before God and family, and over the years, they enjoyed each other's company as they learned to laugh with each other, dance together, and be there for each other in the good times and the hard times. They cried on each other’s shoulders when their daughter Georgie died in 1982. Eloy would serenade and treat Maggie as a queen, and in their golden years, they would still hold hands. Their marriage would be an example to their children and grandchildren. When Maggie died in the fall of 2023, it broke his heart. His death may be difficult for those who knew and loved Eloy, but great comfort can be found that he is now reunited with Maggie as he is dancing in heaven with the love of his life.

In 1962, Eloy made the difficult decision to move his family from South Texas to West Michigan. It was a difficult decision since this is where all their family was from. But he saw a better way of life and more opportunity for his children as they got older. Of course, it took a while to get used to the brutal Michigan winters, but it proved to be the right move. Eloy secured work at General Motors, and the pay and benefits that he received were unfathomable to what he could earn living in Texas. He instilled in his children to work hard and do things that were above what was expected. He loved his country and, more importantly, his fellow man. He loved his family unconditionally, and he was always affectionate toward his family. A hug and a kiss were a standard greeting, and he was not afraid to show his emotions on his sleeves.

Eloy served his country with pride in the United States Army. Though he was disappointed that he was never sent to Korea, he was grateful that he got to serve. Service, family, and faith were the hallmark foundations of Eloy’s life. He was always serving others. Whether it be his family or his friends, he was willing to give the shirt off his back. Many times, serving others would be entertaining with a barbecue or lightening the mood with a story or a joke or working for the church on a committee or as a eucharist minister.

Just as he had cared for his grandparents when he was young, it was now his turn to receive care from his family as he approached his end. For the proud man that Eloy was, this was difficult and humbling, but he accepted his family's act of kindness as they cared for him in his final days. Eloy Cantu died peacefully on the evening of April 22, 2024, at Rose Arbor Hospice. His laughter, his love, and the lessons that he taught each will go on with those who loved him.

Members of his family include his 4 children: Cindy Cantu, Eloy (Marcia) Cantu, Deena Cantu-LaPres, Elma (Chris) Donner; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings Graciela Robles, Joe (Carmen) Cantu, Sylvia (Gale) Mosier, Hector (Cindy) Cantu:. He was preceded in death by his darling wife Maggie in 2023 and his precious daughter, Lynda “Georgie” Cantu; along with a grandson, Timothy Cretsinger. Cremation has taken place.

The family will receive guests at 10:00 am with Mass to follow at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre, Portage. A lunch will follow Mass in the church hall. Visit Eloy’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church or Fransalian Missionary Inc.

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.