Franco Barrientez Cruz, age 69 years, lifelong Great Bend, Kan. resident, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, 2023 at Azria Health Woodhaven in Great Bend. Franco was born on March 10, 1954 at Great Bend to Juan and Minga (Barrientez) Cruz. He was united in marriage to Karen A. Stoskopf on May 9, 1980 in Great Bend. They later divorced, but remained close friends. Throughout his life, Franco worked in the oilfield, and as a mechanic and welder before he became disabled in 2009. His passions were working on old cars, watching Westerns on television, and a love for animals of all kinds. Franco loved showing off his large collection of tools. He was very popular and loved to take the time to talk to friends everywhere he went. Franco was a member of the Church of Christ at Great Bend.

Survivors include a son, John Cruz of Great Bend; two daughters: Shilo Cruz (and Timothy Galliart) and Sarah Cruz (and David Alseike) all of Great Bend; two grandchildren,  Trenten Vsetecka and Sophie Cruz; his former wife, Karen Gerhart of Great Bend; a brother, Oxley Barrientez; and numerous cousins. Franco was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Jesse Flores and a grand-daughter JuneAnna Cruz-Gray.

Cremation has been chosen and a joint Celebration of Life Service for Franco Cruz and Jesse Flores will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Church of Christ in Great Bend, Kan. The family requests that Memorial Contributions be directed to the Franco Cruz Funeral Expense Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed at http://www.chartergreatbend.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 6, 2024