Joaquin Manglona Cruz

Joaquin (Ken) Manglona Cruz, born January 26, 1933, in Agana, Guam.  Ken was called by God to his everlasting home in heaven on August 27, 2024, at 91 years old.

He was preceded in death by his father Felix Cruz, mother Suzanna Manglona Cruz, beloved wife Dorothea (Dot) Cruz, son Daniel Don Cruz, and four brothers.  

He is survived by his son Ken Cruz (Vilma Cruz), Jacksonville, FL, daughters Susan Cruz, Hopkins, MN, Ester Cruz, Atlantic Beach, FL, Elaine Cruz (Gene Roche), Jacksonville, FL, Bobbie St. Marseille, Concord Township, OH, Doris Aguero (John Aguero), Ankeny, IA.  Life-long besties Mike, Iris and Todd Fields, Aiken, S.C. Nephew/best buddy Andy Lane & Kim Lane.  He was loved and cherished by his grandchildren:  B. Cruz, MN, John Williams, MN, Daniel Smith (Tiffany Smith), OH, Kirsten Smith, OH, Logan Smith, MO, Mason Smith, FL, Kenneth Cruz Jr., FL, Kavin Cruz (Mercedes Cruz), FL, Kristofferson Cruz, FL, Jessica Coley (Ryan Coley), CA.  Great Grandchildren:  Alisun, Ayden, Luna, Jasmyne, Camara, Rowan, Ella, Grayson, William, Charlie, Arya Riley, Zaylee, Keaton, and many nieces, nephews, and friends, too numerous to list here.  

Ken served his nation in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  After returning home to Guam, he was employed by the Government of Guam as a cafeteria manager (Mangilao), servicing the elementary school system.  He and his wife Dot also owned and managed several businesses in the Mangilao area. Ken and his family lived on the island of Guam until 1976 when they moved to Red Bluff, CA.  He then continued his patriotic service as an honor guard member of the VFW in Red Bluff.  

While living in Guam, Ken had a passion for raising & fighting roosters and hosting house card games.  After moving to California, he continued to enjoy playing cards and frequenting local casinos.  He and Dot also owned and operated a restaurant specializing in Guamanian food.  They also tried their hand at farming, raising cows, pigs, chickens and even a peacock! 
Ken loved his family and enjoyed the large friend & family gatherings. He was always the playful “Uncle Kin” to his nieces and nephews.  His grandchildren respected their Papa’s quiet yet fun-loving spirit, he was known as “the man of few words”.  When the large gatherings were over, and it was time for the fun to end, he would always watch from a window, with tears in his eyes, as his family drove away.  Papa, today we are the ones with the tears, you will be dearly missed! 

Please join Ken’s family (along with their loving & supportive friends), as we celebrate his beautiful life.