Louis Esparza

Louis Esparza, 88, passed away on July 9, 2012 in Tucson, Arizona. Louis was born August 31, 1923 in Morenci, Arizona to Juanita and Marcos Esparza. The youngest of nine children, he attended Morenci Schools and was a member of the high school basketball team. Louis served in the US Army during and after World War II in England, France, and Nuremberg, Germany, where he met and married his beloved wife, Ilga. She preceded him in death in 2011 after 64 years of marriage. Upon his discharge from the Army, they returned to Morenci and Louis worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation in rail track operations for 35 years. His retirement years were spent in Safford, Arizona where he enjoyed woodworking and reading. He was also an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stargo and Grace Lutheran Church in Safford and served a tenure as the congregations president. Louis was selflessly devoted to his family, church, and country and will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his children, Jenny Mihalich Christian (Douglas) of Beverly Hills, Michigan and Michael Esparza (Bertha) of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Robert Mihalich (Jennifer) of Northville, Michigan, Christina Esparza of Hermosa Beach, California, Teresa Dobbins (Justin) of Tucson and David Esparza (Cari) of Los Angeles, California and 4 great-grandchildren, Will, Lainey, Lilly and Tyson. Louis is also survived by his sister, Paulita Duran and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted by Pastor Paul Schulz at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 225 E. Main St. on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with viewing one hour prior to services. Interment with military honors will follow at Safford Cemetery.