VERONA - Manuel M. “Mario” Aranda, age 79, of Verona, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was born on July 26, 1943, in Lima, Peru, the son of Manuel and Dolores (Ferrari) Aranda.

Mario was united in marriage to Stella Murphy Phillips on Sept. 5, 1987, in Anchorage, Alaska. Mario worked as an accountant in Peru then came to the United States. A career that took his family all over the U.S. for jobs.

Mario was an active member of His Ambassadors Fellowship in Madison. His faith shaped his personality. He loved to share God's word and witness the love God had for everyone. He enjoyed being around water, whether spending time at a beach or a lake.

Mario is survived by his wife, Stella; son, James E. Phillips; daughter, Ladessa Phillips; sisters, Carmen Vera, Bertha Banzhaf, Consuelo Montoya and Maria Aranda; grandchildren, James L. (Xena) Phillips, Saen Phillips and Mary Sickles; great-grandson, Cain and another baby Phillips on the way; sister-in-law, Sandra (Ken) Nye; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Dolores; and brother-in-law, Skip Murphy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at HIS AMBASSADORS FELLOWSHIP, 14 Ellis Potter Court, Suite 200, Madison, at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 10, 2023, with Pastor George O’Neal presiding.

Memorials may be gifted in Manuel’s name to His Ambassadors Fellowship.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Mario Aranda

July 26, 1943 - April 06, 2023

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