Ruben Sanchez

Ruben Joseph "RJ" Sanchez, 25, of Beach Park, IL died on Tuesday, September 20, 2011. R J was born August 25, 1986, in Lake Forest, IL. He graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 2004. R J was a certified firefighter with the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department and prior to that was stationed in Durango, CO, working with the Southwest Conservation Corps where he became certified in fighting wildfires. He loved his family, was an avid fisherman, and adored his dog, Snoop. Survivors include his parents, Ruben and Linda (Peklay) Sanchez of Beach Park, IL; brother, Jake Sanchez of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Rachel Sanchez of Beach Park, IL; grandparents, Juan and Eva Sanchez; favorite uncle, Jaime Sanchez; cousins, aunts and uncle in this area and in Texas; and girlfriend, Ashley Rosecrans. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Joyce Peklay; and aunt, Pamela Peklay. Visitation will be Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 10:00 a.m until 2:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, with a procession to a funeral service at 3:00 pm. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 3350 Delany Rd., Waukegan. Interment is private for the family. Memorial donations are suggested to the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department.