MADISON - Ricardo Resendez Juarez, age 88, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Willow Glen Assisted Living. He was born on September 8, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, to Gregorio and Ricarda (Resendez) Juarez.

Ricardo shared more than 50 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Olga Estevis Juarez. Together they built a loving family and created countless memories with their children, grandchildren, and extended family. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, serving in an artillery unit, earning recognition as a sharpshooter, and spending time stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he worked as a mechanic at Brunswick Volkswagen, a career that reflected his talent for fixing just about anything. He later dedicated many years of service to the State of Wisconsin before retiring.

Ricardo was loved by everyone who knew him, and he loved them right back, especially his family. He adored his grandchildren and took great pride in being a devoted father and provider. An avid bowler, Ricardo enjoyed bowling in leagues with his family. Some of their favorite traditions included piling into the family Volkswagen on Friday nights to go bowling, catch a movie at the drive-in theater, or enjoy dinner at Ponderosa. These simple moments became cherished memories that his family will carry with them forever. Ricardo was proud of his military service and remained active in the veteran community throughout his life as a longtime member of VFW Post 1318.

Ricardo is survived by his daughter, Elisa (Ryan) Hecker and their children, Tari Lynn Hecker and Crystal Lynn Hecker; his son, Gregorio Juarez and his children, Viktor Juarez, Vincint Juarez, and Taliyah Juarez; his daughter, Leticia "Letty" Dennis and her children, Jessika Coleman, Luticia "Lucy" Dennis, and Michael Dennis; his son, Thomas (Barbara) Riffle and their children, Thomas Riffle Jr., Jonathan Riffle, Christopher Riffle, and Benjamin Riffle; his daughter, Audrey (Juan) Cano and their son, Doroteo "Teo" Cano; and his daughter, Carla Riffle and her children, Erica Riffle, Victoria "Vicki" Villarreal, and Aurelio Ramon Jr.; 21 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Jorge Juarez; his sisters, Gloria Juarez and Estella Juarez; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gregorio and Ricarda (Resendez) Juarez; his wife, Olga Estevis Juarez; his brothers, George Juarez and Gregorio Juarez; and his sisters, Olga Ramos-Juarez, Mary Juarez, Yolanda Juarez and Guadalupe "Lupe" Juarez.

A Funeral Mass will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026, with Father Gabriel López-Betanzos presiding.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Ricardo R. Juarez

September 08, 1937 - May 16, 2026

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