Final Salute

Manuel (Manny) De La Fuente Jr., 81, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025. He was born on April 19,1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Manuel and Elisa De La Fuente.

Manny was a beloved husband to Suwanna De La Fuente, a cherished father to Maleesa Losnedahl and Lalinda De La Fuente, and a loving grandfather to Maya and Drew Losnedahl. He also shared meaningful relationships with his sons-in-law Erik Losnedahl and Gary Grossnickle.

Manny was an exceptional man. His earthly journey was defined by a strong sense of curiosity, courage, and an unwavering passion for exploring every corner of the planet.

An adventurer at heart, he was a spelunker, a cowboy, a world traveler, and a Navy Seabee. After taking a tour of duty in Vietnam, he was sent back to southeast Asia as a salesman for John Deere. It was there in Thailand where he met his wife and enjoyed a 51-year marriage with the love of his life.

Manny’s career with John Deere spanned 30 plus years and took him to hundreds of countries. Taking his family with him on his adventures, he enjoyed living in Asia, South America, and traveled to many places in between. He was able to make friends in any corner of the globe and could make anywhere feel like home.

Manny was a true renaissance man. He was a builder, a mover, and a creative soul that always needed to be engaged in a project. It was this drive that contributed to his talent and success. From exploring the jungles of Borneo and traveling through the African countryside to enjoying Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal, Manny yearned for connection over convention.

Manny is survived by his loving wife, Suwanna De La Fuente; his daughter Maleesa Losnedahl, and son-in-law Erik Losnedahl; his daughter Lalinda De La Fuente, and son-in-law Gary Grossnickle; his brothers David and Jack De La Fuente; his grandchildren, Maya and Drew Losnedahl; and his nephew Chris De La Fuente. He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Elisa De La Fuente.

Our hearts are truly broken, but I hope his last “flight” brought him the freedom and joy that his physical body would not allow. Manny will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to be part of his amazing journey.

Manny will have a celebration of life and a Buddhist Memorial Service at Wat Dhammaram Temple in Chicago, Illinois followed by a cremation service at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home on Saturday May 17, 2025. Per Manny’s wishes, funeral services will include only family.

However, cards or flowers can be sent to Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home, 7861 South 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.