Lazaro S. Salinas Sr.

Lazaro S. "Larry" Salinas Sr., age 87 of Grafton, ND passed away on Monday, July 1, 2013 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton surrounded by his family. Lazaro Salinas was born December 17, 1925 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the son of the late Victor and Felicitas (Santos) Salinas. He grew up and attended school in Mexico. He moved to the United States at the age of 18 and began working as a farm laborer. He was united in marriage to Matilde Molina on May 7, 1950 in Laredo, TX. The couple migrated between North Dakota and Texas for several years before moving to Grafton in 1969. Larry worked for Mattson Manufacturing for many years as well as for many area farmers before beginning with DRT Farms. He worked for them for 30 years until his health forced him to retire in the fall of 2012. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and was always building something. He loved being around his family, traveling, dancing and he was always willing to help. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a United States citizen. He is survived by his children: Larry Jr. (Shirley) Salinas, Grand Forks, ND, Felix (Cory) Davis, St. Thomas, ND, Dolores (Jeremy) Zejdlik, Grafton, ND, Joe Salinas, Grafton, ND, Cesar Salinas (Jenn R.), Grafton, ND, 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brother Antonio, sisters: Vense and Augustina, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Matilde, son Mike Sr., infant son David, granddaughter Sonya, brothers: Ramon and Jose, and sisters: Lupe, Maria, and Manuela. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 11:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery of Grafton.