Eligio "Lee" De La Cruz

Eligio “Lee” De La Cruz, age 79, of Mankato, died on June 4, 2025.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be Monday, June 9 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service.

Lee was born on December 1, 1945 in Winnebago, MN to Candelario and Elisa (Vasquez) De La Cruz. Lee graduated from Winnebago High School in 1964 and from Mankato Vo-Tech in the draftsman program. Lee worked as a draftsman for MnDOT for 36 years. On May 8, 1999, Lee was united in marriage to Carol Fiene. Lee enjoyed grilling, fishing, and reading. He also enjoyed listening to Rock and Roll, especially Elvis, and watching western movies. After retiring from MnDOT, he still felt the pull to be on the road, whether driving to activities for grandchildren, family events, or volunteer driving for VINE, he was always on the go. When not behind the wheel, he loved a good game of cribbage or Spinners with friends and family. Most of all, Lee truly loved simply spending time with friends and family, sharing stories (of which he had many), and bringing a smile to everyone’s face with plenty of laughter. All of which will be greatly missed.

Lee is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Lee (Dawn) De La Cruz, Luis De La Cruz, Debra (Rob Morgan) Klatt, Danielle (Bradley) Berg, Delicia (Juan) De La Cruz, and Delora (Ray) Redieske; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Rebecca Rojas, Esther Hernandez, Christina (Lupe) Lira, and Ernestina (Angel) Marin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Aguilera; brother, John De La Cruz; infant grandson, Joshua Berg; brothers-in-law, Lelo Rojas, Ramiro Hernandez, and Jorge Flores.