Obituary of Manuel Najera

2Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." NAJERA, Manuel of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family at the age 87. He was born March 22, 1925 to the late Gabriel and Deloris Najera. He married Consuelo Guerra on June 23, 1951 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at which he was a faithful life member. Manuel proudly served in World War II as a B-17 Gunner in the 487th Bombardment Group. He flew 35 combat missions as an aerial machine gunner and earned the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, as well as the European Theater Ribbons with at least three battle stars. He was a founding member and past commander of the American Legion Post 500. He was employed at General Motors Chevrolet Parts Plant and retired after 40 years of service. Manuel was an avid sports fan; who was always loyal to the Detroit Tigers and Lions. Left to cherish Manuel's memory his loving wife of 60 years, Consuelo, his five children: Gabriel (Gloria) Najera, Chicago IL, Nancy (James) Anderson, Fayetteville NC, Patty (Gary) Feldhahn, Lansing MI, Larry (Pauline) Najera, Saginaw MI, and Daniel (Jennifer Richmond) Najera, Ferndale MI; his eight grandchildren; and his ten great grandchildren. Godchildren: Theresa Brown, Andre Tirado, and Joseph Narvais. His sister, Mary Najera and his brother, Lawrence Najera, preceded him in death. Manuel's family would like to extend heartfelt thanks all those who supported and cared for him: Crystal LaMothe, his loyal caregiver. Dr. Lioudmila Kinactchouck, MD, Reggie Matlock, Hospice of Mid Michigan, especially Shirley , Helping Hands of Michigan , Meals on Wheels, and St. Joseph Parish. FUNERAL: Manuel's Funeral Liturgy will take place at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 N. Sixth Ave. Rev. Fr. Thomas Schmied will officiate. Rite of Committal and military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and American GI Forum of Saginaw. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, June 7, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home, church or at www.DeislerFuneralHome.com