Pedro Saenz, Sr.

Pedro I. Saenz, Sr. passed away on Sunday, November 02, 2014, at the age of 92. Pedro I. Saenz was born in Laredo, where he lived his entire life. He was a devoted son to his parents, Don Rafael Saenz and Doa Maria del Refugio Dilley. He was raised in the dairy business and it was through his delivery of milk that he met the love of his life, Maria del Refugio Martinez Saenz, otherwise known as "Cuquita". Pedro and Cuquita married in 1946 and began a family shortly after. They raised four loving children - Mary (Cuqui ), Pedro (Pete Jr.), Graciela (Chela) and Rolando. As a family, they continued in the dairy and ranching business. Pedro and Cuquita worked very hard and established "El Clavel" Dairy Farm in the mid 1940's and in 1950 they purchased Las Blancas Ranch, situated in Webb County, where they made a living for their family. Pedro raised cattle, horses, goats, hogs, and other farm animals. He was well known for raising quality "cabritos" to the delight of many residents in Laredo. Pedro was honored as Best Conservation Rancher in 1983 and Rancher of the Year in 1996. What he lacked in formal education, he was blessed with a large dosage of common sense, perseverance, and work ethic. He was a man of faith with a strong devotion to Our lady of San Juan de los Lagos. He was a good provider and protector of his family. He loved dancing, especially Polkas and Cumbias. He would easily dominate the dancing floor to the point that the other dancers would stop dancing and applaud his lively spirit and unique gyrating dancing skills. His legacy will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary R. Pea and his beloved wife, Cuquita. Mr. Saenz is survived by his children, Pete (Minerva C.) Saenz, Jr., Graciela (Raul R.) Martinez and Rolando R. (Leticia) Saenz, his grandchildren, Carol (Micah) Marin, Michelle (Joe) Cottrell, Ray B. Pea, Jr., Pete (Gabi) Saenz, III, Monica (Jeff) Vigil, Roberto J. (Anna) Saenz, Raul R. Martinez, Jr., Deborah A. Martinez, Ashley (Roger) Gubser, Amy (Bryan) Fuentes, and Katherine Saenz; and his son-in-law, Ray B. Pea, Sr. He is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "Papa Pete"; as well as by numerous other relatives including his brother, Rafael (Angelina) Saenz, Jr. and sister, Lupita (Romeo) Rodriguez. Family will receive friends and guests on Saturday morning, November 08, 2014 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1105 Tilden Ave. A Rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the family plot in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ the King Catholic Church in memory of Pedro I. Saenz, Sr. The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude to: Dr. Milton Haber and his office staff, Dr. Maria Regalado, Dr. Ralph Nimchan, the staffs at Doctors Hospital and Laredo Specialty Hospital. Also, a great and deserved thanks and appreciation to his personal caregivers Esperanza and Lety for the attention, compassion and care of our father for over 9 years. You may express your condolences and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez, Laredo, Texas 78040, (956) 722-0001.