Joaquin R. Arroyo

Joaquin R. “Jack” Arroyo, 81, of Elkhart, died March 9, 2010 at his home.

He was born Aug. 16, 1928 in San Francisco, CA to Louis and Sophie (Gonzalez) Arroyo and married Josephine Montez on April 17, 1949 in San Antonio, TX. She survives with 4 sons, Joaquin Arroyo Jr., of Baton Rouge, LA, David (Phyllis) Arroyo, Arthur (Fonda) Arroyo, and Jessie Arroyo all of Elkhart; 1 daughter, Sophie (Wes) Miller of Elkhart; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. A sister, Gracie Blanchard preceded in death.

Mr. Arroyo retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Technical Sergeant after 27 years. He served in World War II, Korea, and VietNam. He later worked for Rollie Williams Paint Spot and Federal Paperboard. He was a member of St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the D.A.V. # 19 and the American Legion #143. He loved his family and enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandsons and was a very generous man.

Visitation will be Friday from 3-7 pm at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd. Elkhart, and a half hour prior the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am Saturday St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St. Elkhart. The rosary will be recited at 7 pm Friday at the funeral home. Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincents Cemetery where the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard will conduct military graveside honors.

Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign and online guestbook.