Jose Ascencion Mares

Jose A. Mares, age 85, of Marshall and formerly Granite Falls, Minnesota, died at the Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, Minnesota on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall, Minnesota. A reception for attendees will follow at the AmericInn Hotel in Marshall. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, also at the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Jose Ascencion Mares was born on August 15, 1937, in Progreso Rioverde SLP, Mexico. He was the son of Isidro and Maria (Vasquez) Mares. He grew up in Mexico where he was baptized as an infant and received first communion and was then confirmed in his youth in the Catholic faith. Jose also attended school in Mexico.

In 1961, Jose was united in marriage to Elvira Zuniga Ortega in Progreso Rioverde SLP, Mexico. Jose first moved to the United States in 1970, settling first in Idaho where he farmed. Following a move to Florida, his family moved again to Minnesota in 1987. Jose worked the turkey plants in Marshall (formerly known as Swift and Heartland) and Jennie-O in Montevideo.

Jose's enjoyments in life included trying his luck at the casino, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, tinkering on bicycles and lawn mowers, tending to the lawn, and providing for his family.

Jose Mares died peacefully and surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in Tracy, Minnesota. He had reached the age of 85 years, 7 months, and 20 days.

Jose is survived by his 4 sons, Jose G. Mares (and Claudia Campos) of Marshall, Saul Mares of Marshall, Marco (and Amalia) Mares of Marshall, Abel Mares of Marshall; 2 stepchildren, Alicia (and Shawn) Galvan of Marshall, Nicholas (and Modesty) Guerrero of Marshall; 25 grandchildren, Shawn, Ashley, Emily, Esteban, Jennifer, Jacqueline, Jonathan, Marissa, Leticia, Saul Jr., Mandy, Fabiola, Daniel, Gissel, Janessa, Samantha, Jacob, Andres, Alexis, Yasmin, Mercedes, Xavier, Jordyn, Jada, Landon; many great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elvira Zuniga de Mares; daughters, Ines Mares, Leticia Mares; and a grandson, Edgar Cantu.