January 5, 1955 – July 29, 2023
Eduardo R. De La Cruz, 68, of Fort Atkinson, passed away peacefully on Saturday July 29, 2023, at Agrace Janesville, surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather, respected and dearly loved pastor.
Eduardo was born in Sanchez, Samana, Dominican Republic, January 5, 1955, born to Jose Dolores De La Cruz, and Maria Martinez. The sixth of 11 children. He grew up in DR on a family farm. From a very young age he learned to work on the farm. At the of age 21 he went to seminary to become a pastor. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in theology and was ordained in the Free Methodist Church at the age of 25. His first church appointment was at the age of 24.
He was a great servant, of great values, dedicated and hardworking minister. He devoted himself tirelessly to God and others. He loved God, people, the church, and the mission he served, as he would say, “I love the pulpit, I love to preach.” He was a church planter and had the gift of socializing very easily with people. To him it didn’t matter the day or hour, he would stop everything to help others. He loved his congregations. In 2006 he moved to Wisconsin and married his wife, Maribel Celiz. He expressed his love and how grateful he was with God for allowing him to have a healthy loving family until the very end. He loved his children Agar H. Reyes (Deyvi O. Reyes) Ercira Haize (Willy Haize), Son Jose Eduardo, his grandchildren Willy Alexander, Jasmine A. Haize, and Lara, William, Ari Farris. He loved his siblings dearly, always expressing his love and how special they were for him. He would reach out every day to greet his siblings saying, “Brothers and sisters…I love you all, receive God’s blessings.”
He was fun, funny, humble, loving, and caring. He loved baseball and was a huge Red Sox fan and (Dominican Republic Aguilas). He played softball and baseball at various leagues, he was a pitcher, catcher, hitter, and many times acted as the umpire (always arguing about the rules). He Loved to garden, camp, the outdoors and to go on long drives with his wife Maribel. He loved to visit State National Parks. He was a loving and dedicated husband. He had a very good relationship with his congregation and wanted to bring out the best in people by encouraging them to give it all, to have goals and be the best person they could be. He was a pastor, a friend, and a father figure to many people. He worked until the very end. He never considered retirement, as he would say, “I will work ’til the very end” and He did! We have lost a loving, fun, caring wonderful person. Heaven has gained a wonderful soul. Eduardo De La Cruz, you will always be in our hearts. We Love You!
Eduardo R. De La Cruz
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