Leonel Salinas

Leonel Salinas, 69, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN following a brief illness. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife and partner of 45 years, Elodia Castillo Salinas; his 4 daughters, Lamar Chris Niemczycki; Luz Maria Villarreal; Darlenne Salinas and Marlenne Salinas; 11 grandchildren, Jesus, Bryana, Javier, Reyna, Alyssa, Lorena, Taye, Miguel, Alberto, Luis, and Daniela; 4 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Janessa, Gavin and Mila; 1 sister, Lamar Lorenzo Chapa; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Taylor; his sister, Lydia; brother, Javier; father, Eleno and mother, Esperanza. Born and raised in San Diego, Texas, the son of Eleno and Esperanza Garcia Salinas, he resided in San Diego most of life before settling down in Minneapolis, MN with his eldest daughter, Lamar and her family. In his early years, Leonel, held several jobs that allowed him to travel throughout the United States. From picking tomatoes to picking watermelons to landscaping. He met many people and made that many friends throughout his travels. Leonel went on to become a backhoe operator; a job in which he took great pride in. Leonel enjoyed spending time with his friends, listening to Tejano, Norteo and Country music, playing card games and most of all; he loved spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, especially the cornbread stuffing that his mom used to make whose recipe was passed down to his daughters. Leonel had a great sense of humor! He could make a whole room laugh and he had a gift of storytelling. He loved a good road trip and was the best at keeping you entertained. He loved to read and he followed all types of sports. Leonel was also great around the kitchen, passing on the skills his mom passed on to him to his daughters. Leonel had many friends that loved him, he loved his home state of Texas, but his greatest treasure was his family. We respectfully ask that cell phones and smartphones be turned off or completely silent not set to vibrate, which can still be audible during quiet moments during the visitation and service and that no photos be taken of Urn. Services will be held at Miller Funeral Home/Choice Cremation, 6210 Highway 65 NE, Fridley on Friday, March 25, 2016 at 2 pm with visitation starting promptly at 1 pm. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.