Augustine Vela Sr.

Augustine “Augie” Vela Sr., 82, of Kenosha, WI and formerly of Beach Park, IL died Monday, February 6, 2017 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Augie was born to Manuel and Juanita DeLeon Vela on May 28, 1934 in San Antonio, TX. He married Mary Ester Cruz of San Antonio, TX. They moved to Beach Park, IL from Antigo, WI in 1962 where they finished raising their seven sons and daughters. He retired in 1981 from Outboard Marine. He was an avid fisherman. He was also a die-hard fan of the Packers, Milwaukee Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, playing guitar, saxophone, and accordion. Augie played in the Lanier High School Band in San Antonio. He also served as an alter boy at Immaculate Heart Of Mary in San Antonio. Survivors include children, Edward Vela of Lawrenceville, IL, Leticia “Tisha” Jordan of San Diego, CA, Rose Marie “Bonnie” (William) Sawtell of Niland, CA, Augustine “Sonny” Vela Jr. of Zion, IL, Michael Vela of Kenosha, WI, Monique “Nikki” Vela of Farmington, MI, and Erik (Toni) Vela of Beach Park, IL; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Manuel (Irma) Vela and Janie Sepulveda, both of San Antonio, TX; and former spouse Mary E. Higgins of Lawrenceville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Antonio Vela, Edward (Maria) Vela, Beatrice Reyes, Mary (Raymond) Esparza, Cecilia (Martin) Carmona, and Isabel (Elizier “Eli”) Rivera; brother-in-law, Joe Sepulveda; and grandson, Cameron Vela. A funeral service will take place Friday, February 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. Friends may greet the family at 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation have been suggested.