Santos Vazquez Cantu

Santos Vazquez Cantu, 67, of Willmar, died Wednesday, September 30th at his home in Willmar. His graveside service will be at 10:00 am, Monday, October 5th at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org

Santos Vazquez Cantu was born on March 31, 1959, to Guadalupe Vazquez and Francisca Cantu in Anahuac, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. As a young boy, Santos helped raise goats, and in his early teenage years, he began working in restaurants as a waiter and bartender.

Santos later joined the Mexican Police Department, where he proudly served for three years before moving to Texas in 1985. He began working at a nursing home, where he met his future wife, Sylvia. On February 6, 1987, Santos and Sylvia Resendez were united in marriage in Devine, Texas. Together, they were blessed with five children: Jose, Santos Vazquez Jr., Esmeralda, Alexis and Hector.

After leaving the nursing home, Santos worked on a cattle farm before he and his family eventually moved to Willmar, Minnesota. There, he continued his career in agriculture, first working at Jennie-O and later becoming a manager for Willmar Poultry Company. During his time there, Santos managed the Hill Top, Highway 71, and Crestview turkey farms.

Santos enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He especially cherished the time he spent outdoors with his children and grandchildren, creating memories they will carry with them.

Santos was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Santos is survived by his wife, Sylvia; children: Jose Vazquez, Santos Vazquez Jr., Esmeralda Larsen, Alexis Vazquez, and Hector Vazquez; grandchildren and siblings.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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