Baldemar Mendez

WESLACO - Baldemar Mendez, age 84, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2023. Baldemar was born June 8, 1939 to Herman and Rosa (Saenz) Mendez in McAllen Texas and was raised in Weslaco.  He was the oldest of eleven children.  He loved his siblings. His grandparents Anastacio and Francisca Mendez and his Aunts Helen and Rosie were a great influence on his life. He adored them.

Balde ran away from home at 17 and went to California to live with his grandparents. As soon as he could, he enlisted in the Army.  While in the Army he was stationed, trained, and served in many areas.  He could tell you detailed stories from his years in the Army.  He enjoyed every minute serving his country and retired with the rank of Sergeant.  The Lord sent him to Germany so he could meet the love of his life, Erika.  They married in June 1961 and quickly started their family. 

After being discharged from the Army, Balde brought his new bride and their new baby son, Albert, to Weslaco to show them off. They eventually settled in the Chicago area where they later had two daughters, Darlene and Elizabeth.  Baldemar worked in two large steel mills on the south side of Chicago.  He was a specialist and was highly sought after for his expertise in setting up and slitting steel.  After 35 years of working, he retired and moved back to Weslaco where he and Erika could relax and enjoy life.  He was so proud of his three children, his eleven grandchildren, and his 17 plus great-grandchildren.  He loved visiting them and being a part of their lives.

Baldemar has always been a man of character.  He valued God, family, and his country.  Everywhere he went he would develop friendships with people.  He talked to everyone.  He had a love for life. He was energetic and was always thinking ahead and outside of the box.  He was a math genius and could figure out any problem. Balde was extremely generous.  He was a social butterfly and could make anyone laugh with his clever jokes. He will be missed by all those that know him.  Baldemar also volunteered with the Boy Scouts and served in many church positions where he could help people and serve the Lord.  He lived his life with the focus on eternity which made his family his top priority.

Baldemar is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erika. His children Albert (Shari), Darlene (Dustin), and Elizabeth. His siblings Heriberto (Eddie) Mendez, Ida (Roy Salinas), Frances Laguna, Norma (Sergio Gonzalez), Alma Suarez, Eleazar (Sony) Mendez (Esmeralda), Anastacio (Tacho) Mendez, George Mendez (Janie), Estella Barrera. Baldemar has 11 grandchildren (Jordan, Brandon, Deserae, Jason, D. Nathan, Bryan, Danissa, Deanna, Brooke, Devin, Dallin). Baldemar also has 17+ great-grandchildren.

Baldemar is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Rosa Mendez, and his brother Reynaldo Mendez, and sister Mary (Trinidad Garcia).