Raul Aguilar Jr.

Raul Aguilar Jr., 65, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  He was born on February 8, 1947 to Raul and Maria (Pena) Aguilar in Crystal City, TX.  He grew up in Texas and attended Crystal City High School.  Raul entered the US Army in 1966, serving as an infantryman until 1969.  During his time of service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Overseas Service Bar, Marksman Badge, and the Purple Heart.

On February 13, 1971, Raul married Irene De La Cruz in Crystal City, TX.  Raul worked as a forest firefighter in Nampa, ID for several years.  In 1991, Raul and Irene moved to Moorhead, where they raised their children and were employed as migrant workers.  In his spare time, he loved to fish, work on cars, and watch boxing.  He was a very social man and loved to spend time reminiscing with his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; his children, Christine (Rafael) Rositas, Raul Aguilar III, Roberto Aguilar, Mario Aguilar, Mary Ann Aguilar, and Orlando Aguilar; 19 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his sister, Alicia Lopez; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Olga Mena; and his great-grandson, Angelito Aguilar.