Juan Bazan
Juan Elias Bazan, of Venango, Nebraska, died Dec. 6, 2020, at his home in Venango. Juan was born Oct. 31, 1954, in Brownsville, Texas, to Elias and Porfiria (Rodriguez) Bazan.
Juan first moved to Venango with his family in the early 1960s as migrant farmworkers. He attended school in Venango, where he played on the Panthers football team and was homecoming king.
On Feb. 16, 1978, Juan married Sandra M. Harding in Holyoke, and their union was blessed with five children, and later nine grandchildren. Juan did many things throughout his working career, including drywalling, social work and working at the local grain elevator.
Juan loved to socialize with people and was a bit of a jokester. He made fast friends and would go out of his way to help friends and strangers alike, sharing generously with what he had, even though he often didn’t have much.
Juan was a dyed-in-the-wool Dallas Cowboys fan. He always had Sandra print the game schedules so he would never miss a game. On a very special occasion, Juan and his family attended a game in Dallas, which was an experience that he never forgot and often recalled with great enthusiasm.
Juan was the family organizer in many ways. He would plan Thanksgiving meals and gatherings sprinkled throughout the year. He loved to entertain and was a fabulous cook. He had a knack for preparing delicious meals with whatever seemingly random ingredients he had at his disposal. He also loved to grill, make salsa and fish.
Juan’s personality was magnetic. His spirited temperament also made him a gifted salesman. As such, there were times that Juan would buy and sell vehicles on the same day. Whatever he was doing, Juan was entertaining to be around. With his passing, the world is just a little less bright and vibrant.
Juan was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; and sister, Gracie Delgado.
Juan is survived by his wife, Sandra of Venango; children, Anita and Ignacio Perez, Richard and Andrea Bazan, Gabriel and Emily Bazan, Juan and Rebekah Bazan, and Julie and Michael Geisert; grandchildren, Valerie, Anselmo and Sophia Perez, Owen and Cora Bazan, Dylan and Tyson Bazan, and Nellie and Mallory Bazan; siblings, Ramiro Bazan, Mary and David Hahn, Raul and Candy Bazan, Minnie and Domie Rodriguez, and Roy and Billie Bazan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Juan’s memory for later designation.
Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Graveside services were held Dec. 12 at the Venango Cemetery. Private family services were held, with Pastor Mike Brown officiating.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.