Manuel Guzman
April 29, 1947 - January 31, 2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Manuel “Goose” Guzman, 76, on January 31st. He departed this world surrounded by loved ones, after a short brave battle with cancer.
Manuel was a 1967 graduate of Manteca High School and while attending school he started working on the Raymond Muller Ranch in French Camp, CA. In 1969, Manuel entered into the sacred bonds of matrimony with Bonnie Boesch after capturing each other's attention at a
Valentine’s Day dance. They were married just 5 months later. Bonnie was by Manuel’s bedside non-stop and was incredibly strong as Manuel’s advocate through his month of hospitalization. They were committed to their vows until Manuel’s last breath. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on July 5th of this year. Together, Manuel and Bonnie built a beautiful life together.
Manuel worked on the Ray Muller Ranch until he was 42 when he took a job with the San Joaquin County Public Works Department. He retired after 20 years with San Joaquin County as an equipment service worker, but in his heart he was a cowboy. When he was a young adult Manuel loved to ride horses and was a fearless heeler when he was team roping. He loved life on the ranch, riding horses and country music. One of his favorite pastimes was stream fishing and later when he started having back trouble he bought a boat and a trolling motor and hit the lakes or the Delta. Manuel was an accomplished bowler, and he bowled 18 perfect “300” games and bowled in leagues and tournaments up until his passing. But there was nothing that brought him more joy than his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and could often be found sitting in the stands cheering them on at whatever they were participating in at that time. There was nothing that he wouldn’t do to help or support his 8 grandkids. And he and Bonnie became “grandparents” to many of their grandkids’ teammates and friends.
Manuel was a loving husband, father and son. He cared for his mom, who has dementia, and step-dad that had been bed ridden for the better part of the last two years until he himself was hospitalized. Manuel’s family was the center of his world.
Manuel Guzman is survived by his wife, Bonnie Guzman, daughter Marsha Herrera(Alex Landeros Jr.), his mother Tomasa “Tommy” Mendoza, sister Mary Keathley, brothers John Guzman, Edward Guzman, Joe Chavez, Danny Mendoza, David Mendoza and Donald Mendoza. His favorite humans were his grandchildren Brandon Guzman(Adrian), Michael Guzman(Genesis), Tyler Guzman(Esmeralda), Travis Graham and Justin(Lori and Mike Graham) Graham, Gabby Herrera, Cruz Herrera, and R. Alex Herrera(Lori and Chris Herrera), his godson Daniel Cruz Mendoza and numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends who will continue to cherish his memory. Manuel found out while he was in the hospital that he was expecting his first great grandchild and he was so excited. He was preceded in death by his first born and only son, Manuel Raymond Guzman and his step-father Cruz Mendoza.
Manuel will be laid to rest next to his son Manuel Raymond at Cherokee Memorial in Lodi. He requested no services; a private burial for the family will take place. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and share memories here online.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Shriners Children's Hospital an organization that was near and dear to his heart after Shriners cared for two of his grandchildren or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Manuel Guzman's memory. May Manuel rest in eternal peace.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Guzman family.