Manuel Avila

Racine- Mr. Manuel Reyes Avila, 74, was called home on Monday, July 4, 2011 with his family at his side, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Manuel was born in Cotulla, Tex. to the late Pablo and Teodosia (nee: Reyes) Avila on April 15, 1937, but would call Racine his home, after moving to Wisconsin in 1951. On October, 18, 1958, he was united in marriage to Hortencia Salas at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kenosha. Manuel was employed by Jacobsen Textron for 35 years until his retirement. A life long musician, Manuel enjoyed playing the accordion, the guitar, and most of all, singing with his late twin brother Sammy in their band, "Manuel y Sammy Avila y Los Latinos". Although not by trade, Manuel was an accomplished carpenter, who loved working on his home and took much pride in his gardening. A true artist at heart, Manuel also loved to express himself through his photography. Most of all, Manuel loved nothing more than being in the company of his family. Manuel will be dearly missed by his life-long companion Hortencia, his children, Dolores (Alfredo) Fuentes, Anna (Samuel) Torres, Frances Avila, Esther (Armando) Martinez, Andy Avila, Roseann (Ralph) Martinez, and Manuel (Veronica) Salinas; 21 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Petra Hernandez, Frances Garcia, Delfina Garcia, Lorenza Riojas, and brother, Jesus Avila, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including a special friend, Joan Morseman. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Julia, four brothers, Thomas, Juan, Nino and his twin Samuel Avila. Also preceding Manuel in death is his great-granddaughter Faith Anastacia Torres. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church (3126 95th St.) on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:00am. with Fr. Paul Raczynski officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at Wilson Funeral Home on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 5-7pm with a Prayer Vigil Service at 7pm with Pastor Guadalupe Torres Jr. officiating and on Friday at the church from 10am until the time of mass. The family would like to especially thank the Wheaton Franciscan I.C.U., for the support and extraordinary care that was offered to Manuel and his family.

Manuel Avila

April 15, 1937 - July 4, 2011