Rene Azael Saenz Sr.

Rene A. Saenz Sr., age 49 of Grafton, passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Rene A. Saenz Sr. was born August 23, 1962 in Weslaco, TX, the son of Rita (Reyes) Saenz and the late Azael Jose Saenz. While growing up the family split their time between North Dakota and Texas. He began working farm labor following his freshman year in high school. He was united in marriage to Charlotte Aguilar on July 27, 1981 in Cavalier, ND. Following their marriage they traveled between North Dakota and Texas for a short time until they started their family. They moved to Grafton permanently in 1993. He continued to work for area farmers until his health forced him to retire in 2010. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. He was very passionate about his grandchildren, and when not spending time with them he could be found fishing. He is survived by his wife Charlotte, Grafton, ND, children: Sandra (Victor) Payan, Bakersfield, CA, Rita Saenz (John Henry Torres), East Grand Forks, MN, Rene Saenz Jr., Fargo, ND, Amanda Saenz (Jimmie Saldana Jr.), Grafton, ND, Ruby Saenz (Julio Mendoza), Grafton, ND, Rachel Saenz (Matt Rodriguez), Grafton, ND, grandchildren: Alexis and Jonyssa Payan, John Henry Jr., Brandon, Jennifer, and Samantha Torres, Rene III, Karissa, Zaylen Saenz, Yuliana and Jimmie Saldana III, Julio Jr., Arihanna, Brianna, Jazlynn Mendoza, Matthew Jr. and Izaiah Rodriguez, and one more expected, mother Rita Saenz, Weslaco, TX, siblings: Delma Saenz (Rene Rodriguez), Delia (Ezequiel) Rodriguez, Ruben (Lucy) Saenz, all of Weslaco, TX, Azael Baldez, Fort Worth, TX and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Azael Jose Saenz, his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 13, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 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 the St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Grafton.