Alex DeLaCruz

Strong, resilient, and hardworking are just a few of the words that describe Alexander DeLaCruz. He was so proud to be a citizen of the country he called home throughout his life, and even more proud to defend the freedoms he held so dear. A family man through and through, Alex exemplified what it means to work hard in everything he did, his life a true inspiration to many. It was so easy to see that his family was his greatest treasure, and he was happiest when surrounded by their love. Although he will be dearly missed, Alex leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

As the mid-forties emerged, life in America was excitedly optimistic. The United States and our allies were victorious in WWII, and as a result rationing on common goods had become a thing of the past. It was also during this time that Santigo and Eufracia (Olguin) DeLaCruz had much to celebrate as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Alexander on September 23, 1947, in Pigeon, Michigan. One of six DeLaCruz children, he was joined in his family by his siblings, Dave, James, Elbra, Joe, and Johnny. Alexander’s parents were proud and hardworking immigrants from Mexico who were dedicated to their country and an integral part of their community here in America. Alex graduated from Grand Rapids South High School where he was in the choir and enjoyed hanging out with friends and driving cars.

Alex often described the day he enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 as the best day of his life. In fact, he would cite this very day as the most monumental to anyone who would listen. Alexander greatly enjoyed his time in the service, and he put in his two years before re-enlisting for a third year. He considered his comrades to be his family and took great pride in serving his country. For the rest of his life, Alex always talked to veterans he met out and about and considered his time in the military to have made the greatest impact on his life. After enlisting in 1966, he headed to bootcamp in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he became a hawk radar mechanic. Alex was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict, and he considered it a privilege to serve his country during this time.

With his military duties fulfilled, Alex returned stateside and was ready for all that life had in store. He began working for American Seating, and he later became a professional driver for UPS, Arnies Bakery, and First Class Delivery. It was during this time that Alex was thrilled to welcome his son, Christopher, into his heart in 1972.

While driving for UPS, Alexander would take advantage of his stops at Old Kent Bank to flirt with a teller there named Kathy. After a couple of months, she finally accepted his invitation for a ride to Grand Haven on his motorcycle with dinner and a walk on the beach. Less than a year later, Alex and Kathy were married on November 16, 1979, in a wedding chapel in Grand Rapids with a reception at her sister's house.

Nothing was more important to Alex than his family. He and Kathy settled into their house on Newstead Avenue SW, which was the place they called home for the rest of his life. He was then blessed to be the father not only to Christopher, but also to his adopted daughter, Kelly, and to his son, Shaun, whom he welcomed into his heart and home with Kathy. Alex was a passionate father who wanted the best for his family. He took advantage of teachable moments, and he gave plenty of words of wisdom. He was actively involved in the lives of his children including as a coach for Shaun and teaching Sunday school at church as he also had a love for the kids there. He was so proud to become a grandfather, and he was a family man through and through. They took several family trips, and Alex was a firm believer in the notion that getting there was half the fun. Over the years he and Kathy traveled to Florida, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Texas, the East Coast of Vermont, and Maine as well as to many different state parks throughout Michigan. They also made countless memories at Kathy's family cottage on Glen Lake in the Traverse City area. As his family and friends can attest, Alex loved his motorcycle, his Suzuki Volusia Intruder.

Whether Alexander DeLaCruz was having fun out on the water with his friends, putting in a hard day at work, or heading out on the road on his motorcycle, he gave everything he did his all. He was so proud of his heritage and to serve his country with an unwavering determination to work hard in whatever he was doing. There was no greater gift in Alex’s life than his family, and his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. A kind and generous man, he will never be forgotten.

DELACRUZ, Alexander, Wyoming, MI, Age 73, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side August 16, 2021. Alex was born September 23, 1947 in Pigeon, MI to the late Santigo and Eufracia (Olguin) DeLaCruz. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Johnny and Elbra. Alex was a proud U.S. Army veteran having served during the Vietnam Conflict. He loved to travel by car, but more than anything loved his dear grandchildren. On November 16, 1979 he married Kathy who survives as does his children, Chris (Johanna) DeLaCruz of South Gate, Kelly (Aaron) Day of Byron Center, Shaun (Alicia) DeLaCruz of Grand Haven; grandchildren, George Alexander, Kent Vincent, Caitlyn and Jack. Also surviving are his siblings, Dave (Kathy) DeLaCruz, James DeLaCruz, Joe (Nancy) DeLaCruz, Delia (Mike) DeYoung, Lolita Diaz, Pearl Diaz; brother and sisters-in-law, Dave and Amy Flik, Susie and Lance Bechtel, Barb and Rob Teitsma, Sue Flik; and many nieces, and nephews. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday August 28, 2021 at 11 AM at Third Reformed Church, 2060 Michigan Street. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Memorials may be made to Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. To read more of Alex's life story, leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com