Julio F. Santiago

Julio F. Santiago, 90, of 752 W. Losey St., Galesburg, died at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2007 at home. He was born in Halaula, North Kohala, Hawaii on July 4, 1917, the son of Inez and Manuel Santiago. He married Etheline Miers on October 5, 1942 in Sioux City, Nebraska. They were married 58 years in 2000. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2000. Surviving are his son, Julian (Donna) Santiago of Galesburg; a step daughter, Barbara (Bob) Owens of Brandon, FL; a granddaughter, Dede (Ryan) Rice of Bradford; and a step grandson, Tim (Renee) Moore of Bartelso. He worked for Gardner and Denver as a painter for 10 years in Quincy. When he moved to Galesburg he was a painter for B.W. Anderson. Then he worked for District 205 as a painter too. He also worked at Gates Rubber Co. and retired from Maytag. He went on to manage efficiency apartments for John Town in Galesburg during his retirement. He served in the Army Air Force as a corporal and M.P. from May 22, 1942 through December 4, 1945. He was a WWII veteran. During his time of service, he received an American Theatre Ribbon, Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 and the Knights of Columbus for several years. He was baptized catholic and was a Lutheran in good faith. His favorite pastime in his retirement was to play golf with his family and friends for 37 years. He also enjoyed fishing. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday at Watson Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island. In memory of Julio, the family will be placing a memorial tree on hole #12 at Bunker Links golf course. Memorials for this can be made to the Santiago family.