José E. López, Sr.

José Elías López, Sr. was born on July 20, 1934 and entered his eternal rest on April 15, 2026.

José was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly Ann; son, Rafael; son-in-law, Del Wendt; sisters, Rosa Preciado and Casía Ruiz; brothers, Marcelino, Carlos, and Pedro; and parents, Marcelino and Clotilde.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra Burandt (Bob), Katherine Wendt, and Diana Washington (Kevin); sons, Jose (Yoon Hee} Ricardo Sr. (Shar), and David (Isabel Oyaga); sister, Maria Johnson, and brothers, Tomas and Santiago (Maria). He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, Branden Burandt (Vanessa), Rachel Englehart (Dillon), Troy, Isabella, Rafael, Del Wendt (Priya), Ricardo Jr. (Jenna), Timothy, Maria Sandstrom (Eric) Eduardo Castillo (Jessica), Cory Washington, Lindsey Gillett Washington (Matt), Elias (Julie), Abigail López-Cesar (Matt), and Jessica; 23 great-grandchildren, Alisia Grozdanich (Matt), Julia Kindred, Gabrielle Yeager, Autumn Englehart, Olivia Englehart, Benjamin Englehart, Samatha Englehart, Noah Englehart, Olive Wendt, Brecken Wendt, Leon Wendt, Harper, Lydia, Jaxon Castillo, Liam Castillo, Alden Washington, Hollis Washington, Eva, Emilio, Ella, Elijah Gilbertson, Iver López-Cesar and Gynah Oyaga; and great-great grandson, Beckett Mayo.

José embraced family and was a loyal friend. He served in the Army during the Korean War years and held positions at Armour, Diamond Jim’s, Burlington Northern, and WT Grants. Dedicated to supporting his large family, he worked multiple jobs at the same time, to keep a roof over his children, food on the table, clothes on their back, and shoes on their feet. Following a job loss resulting from a business closure, he commenced employment with the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections, ultimately retiring as a Case Worker from the corrections facility located in Stillwater.

Upon entering the field of Corrections, José returned to college, becoming the first college graduate among his siblings, trailblazing and setting an example for his children. Coming from the mountains of Puerto Rico, José understood the power and value of a college education, and encouraged his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to pursue both undergraduate and advanced degrees.

José demonstrated the value of hard work, teaching his children that they could achieve anything, so long as they were willing to put in the work necessary to achieve their goals. Through his example, José raised successful achievers across generations. His legacy is reflected in the careers of his children and grandchildren, and the bright futures of his great-grandchildren.

A man of faith, José encouraged his family to seek out the Lord and understand their place as children of God. Though he was not a perfect man, he strove each day to live in the light of the Lord and when the moment was right, to express his mantra: "Don’t worry; be happy."

Funeral service for José 11:00 AM Thursday, April 23 at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury.

Visitation will be held at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home - Roseville, 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd B, from 4-7 PM Wednesday, and at the church from 10-11 AM Thursday. 

interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Friday, April 24 at 11:00 AM