Obituary
James G. Sanchez
James G. “Sanch” Sanchez
James G. Sanchez, 69, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 24th. Sanch was born in Waukon, IA on May 27, 1948 to Gertrude Gretchen (Ferring) and Gilbert Sanchez. He grew up in Lansing, IA where he was fortunate to acquire many lifelong friends. He attended St. George and Kee High Schools, Mason City Junior College, and La Crosse State. Sanch married Rita Mauss at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Albin on November 1, 1969. He worked at Norplex and later Crown Cork and Seal retiring after 38 years of service. (It has been said that they needed to hire three men to replace him.) Sanch enjoyed watching most sports, especially the Packers, Hawkeyes, and Brewers. He was an avid squirrel hunter and took many trips to the Iowa woods, often stopping for refreshments afterwards.
He took special pride in his grandchildren and often surprised them with unique gifts that they will always treasure. Sanch passed on to his sons and grandchildren the importance of a good work ethic and the talent to play a good game of euchre. He was a devoted son who always attended his mother’s needs and she always called him “My Jimmy”. He was a special hit with the Thornton Manor bingo group.
Jim is survived by his wife, Rita of 48 years, son John (Kris), Thomas and Emily of Onalaska, son Tony (Heather), McKayla and Sammy of Temecula, CA; sister Mary Howard of Menomonie; half-brothers Roger and Randy, and half-sister Vickie all of Albuquerque, NM; aunt Margaret Ferring of Lansing; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, in-laws Bernard and Lucille Mauss, brothers-in-law David Mauss, Jim Benson, and Jim Wellendorf, half-brother Rick, uncles Paul (Edith) and Bob Ferring.
In accordance with his wishes there will be no services. A celebration of life will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 29th, at All Star Lanes in La Crosse. Memorials are preferred to Causeway Caregivers.
Rita and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are just remembering all those crazy fun times we had when we were neighbors so many years ago. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
Rita & family,
We are so sorry to hear of Sanche’s passing. No words to describe the heartache and sadness you are feeling at this time. Those we love never truly leave us as they live on in our hearts and minds forever. He was a great person and will be deeply missed by all that love and know him.
So many great memories of the fun we shared during activities and games with Tony and Jason. Lots of fun and laughs we all had together and will be forever etched in our minds. His love and spirit will surround his loved ones always.
Unfortunately we can’t attend the gathering for Sanche as we are in Colorado for the next 5 weeks. We just became Grandparents for the first time and it’s amazing as you already know! Nicole and her husband Matt had darling little boy Jacob on 3/19. We are over the top in love.
You will be in our hearts and minds as you move through this difficult time. The support and love of family and friends will comfort you in the days ahead. Hugs to all of you.
Rita and family, We were so shocked to hear of Sanch’s passing. We enjoyed his annual visits to the farm when he came to go squirrel hunting. We always looked forward to seeing him in the fall. Our prayers and sympathies are with you.
by Frank & Diana Ridlon March 28,2018 -18:25 pm
Rita and family it is with great sadness to read that your beloved husband, father and grandfather were taken from you.
Sanch was one of the few people I worked with at all three locations of Continental Can Company and Crown Cork & Seal who treated me like a person i.e. coworker should be.
He was truly a great guy!
With you in sorrow.
Rita,
My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family at the loss of your husband. May God surround you with His loving embrace.
Hugs,
Judy
Dear Rita and Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your “Sanch”. Memories of your lives will be in your heart. May God bless all of you.
Rita, Sorry to hear about your loss. Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.