José C. Sanchez, age 88, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away on November 3, 2022. At Regional West Medical Center. A visitation will be on Tuesday, November 8 at Gering Memorial Chapel from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and the funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 9, at Gering Memorial Chapel, with burial at West Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences for the Sanchez family may be left at www.geringchapel.com
José was born on February 28, 1934 in Mission, Texas, to Natividad and Lorenza (Castaneda) Sanchez. He married Margaret Salas and they made their home in Gering, Nebraska. His first career was for the railroad, but then he began working for the meat packing plant in Scottsbluff, accepting a transfer to Glenwood, Iowa with Swift until his early retirement in 1984.
He returned to Gering, where he enjoyed gardening, meticulously caring for flowers and vegetables. He shared his love of the outdoors and lawn care tips with customers at Walmart, where he was a lawn and garden department specialist for over 15 years. The lake was his favorite place to be as an avid fisherman. He showed his deep patriotism for America every Fourth of July, which he loved spending with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-nephews. Any time with family was cherished, but Independence Day was certainly his favorite holiday, when he would orchestrate extravagant firework displays. He was equally proud of his Mexican heritage. As a football fan, he loved the Broncos and Huskers, fondly remembering games he was able to attend in person.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret; son, Greg (Veronica) Sanchez; daughter, Jacqueline (Jim) Greene; grandchildren, Antonio José Sanchez, Rachel (Justin) Sims, and Sarah Cooper; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Yolanda Morales, Theresa Sanchez, Cruz Sanchez, and Olga (George) Schemansky; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Raymundo, Pablo, and Natividad Jr.; sisters, Petra Cadena, Ofelia Carmona, and Rebecca Sanchez.
