Mass of Christian Burial for Armando Mendoza, age 85, of Rapid City and formerly of Eagle Butte will be at 10 AM MT, Thursday, June 16, 2011 at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte. Burial will be in St. Theresa's Catholic Cemetery in Whitehorse under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A Rosary service will be at 7 PM Wednesday at the church. Armando Gonzales Mendoza passed away unexpectedly on June 12, 2011 at the family home in Rapid City.

He was born January 2, 1926 to Jesus and Sara Mendoza in El Paso, Texas. During his youth, he attended Guardian Angel Catholic School and Church in El Paso. Upon completion of his formal schooling, he served as a member of the Civil Conservation Corp in El Paso. He enlisted in the Army on March 23, 1944 and was honorably discharged on June 2, 1946. As PFC he served his country in France during World War II. After being honorably discharged he returned to El Paso and worked in construction and finish carpentry. His skills as a carpenter extended to Los Angeles where he worked off and on for many years.

After the death of his mother in 1985, he moved to South Dakota to be with his brother, Larry and sister-in-law, Corine, and many nieces and nephews. While he did not have any children of his own, he considered himself fortunate to have so many nieces and nephews. During his time in South Dakota, he lived with various nieces and nephews, which meant he lived in Eagle Butte, Takini, Red Scaffold, Kyle, Spearfish, and Rapid City. He became friends with many people who soon came to know him as Uncle Mando. He was always willing to help when it came to using his carpentry skills. At Takini when they needed help constructing the Si Tanka Gym he put on his work belt and climbed scaffolding and shared his years of construction knowledge with fellow workers. In addition, he also played an integral role in the FACE Program as a caregiver to two of his great-nephews. He was an avid sports fan and supported all of his nieces and nephews by attending events across the state.

His favorite authors Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour, John Grisham, Jeffrey Deaver, and Michael Connolly provided hours of entertainment for him as he was known to the family as an avid reader. He loved family gatherings, visiting, and the occasional trip to Deadwood in his red Cadillac. After the death of his brother he took the position of family patriarch; his presence will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother, sister-in-law, two infant brothers, and one nephew. Uncle Mando is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Casket Bearers Samuel Mendoza, Adrian Mendoza, Tyrone Albers, Robert Mendoza, Shannon Jewett, Augustus Robertson, Jordon Mendoza, Cameron Ducheneaux, Lana Christensen

Honorary Pall Bearers
All of his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, Louie Jewett, Julie and Gib Marshall, Nita and Jim Gable, Candy Jewett, Mary Jewett, Wendy Mendoza, Debbie Mendoza, Frank Hunter, Dale McCrea, Florine Larson, Patti Jo Gourneau, Randy Gutwein, Darin Ducheneaux, Vernon Robertson, Jami Mendoza, Betty Bell, Heidi and Al Gease, Kerri Bell, The Balli and Mendoza Families of El Paso, Texas and the Gonzalez Family of El Paso, Texas and Los Angeles, California, Grandma Louise, Doug Widow Family, Delight Halfred

Music: The Mendoza Family
Honor Song: Samuel Mendoza
Taps: Tyrone Albers

The Family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Dialysis Unit at Hot Springs Veterans Hospital