Juan Jose Contreras

Juan Jose "Johnny" Contreras, age 82 of St. Thomas, ND passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Juan was born March 23, 1931 in Crystal City, TX the son of Jose Contreras and Cruz Lopez. Juan married Carmen Surita on April 22, 1950 in Carrizo Springs, TX. The couple made their home in Crystal City, TX and St. Thomas, ND. He was a member of the Auburn Catholic Church and later the St. Thomas Catholic Church. He worked for several farmers and migrated to and from Crystal City, TX. Juan had a love of baseball and formed a summer league called the Blazers. He was very proud to have coached a great team, winning several titles. He enjoyed attending sporting events in which his children and grandchildren were participants. Family played a big role in Juan's life. He treasured family gatherings during his free time where together, everyone played games, socialized, reminisced and enjoyed a homemade feast. Juan instilled the importance of family and work ethic on his descendants. Although he loved to spoil his grandchildren he stressed the importance of work, respect, education and integrity. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carmen (Surita) Contreras, 10 children: San Juanita (Felipe) Martinez, St Thomas, ND, Jose (Charlene) Contreras, St. Thomas, ND, Lupe Contreras, St. Thomas, ND, Guadalupe (Yolanda) Contreras, Crystal City, TX, David (Brenda) Contreras, St. Thomas, ND; Billy Contreras, East Grand Forks, MN, Hilda (Wayne) Kuntz, Eckelson, ND; Mary Contreras, St. Thomas, ND, Frank Sr. (Jennifer) Contreras, St. Thomas, ND, Carlos Contreras, Spiritwood, ND; 33 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren and a nephew, Ernesto (Rosa) Aguilar, Grafton, ND. He was preceded in death by his biological parents, Jose and Cruz, sister, Juanita Contreras, brothers: Martin and Ignacio (Nacho) Aguilar, adoptive parents, Don Pomposo and Anastasia Aguilar, two children; Juan Jose Contreras Jr and Maria Cruz Contreras, granddaughter, Paige Contreras. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 10: 30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Thursday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. Thomas City Cemetery.