Ignacio Cruz Obregon

“Cruz” Obregon, 79, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, departed this earthly life on Monday, May 18, 2026. A loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Cruz was also a truly unforgettable person.

Born in Laredo, Texas on February 1, 1947, Cruz spent most of his growing years in Ohio where he became an accomplished student, student leader, and a life-long learner. He attended Woodville High School where he was Student Council President and Treasurer, a member of the National Honor Society, and received an Outstanding Scholar Award.

After his graduation from high school in 1965, Cruz joined the United States Marine Corps where he served in Radio Communications in the Caribbean and Viet Nam until 1969. During this time, he was promoted to Corporal, received several medals and a presidential commendation before being honorably discharged from service in 1972. Although he rarely spoke about it, this chapter of his life was a time that would affect him deeply for the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Cruz continued his education and attended Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University and much later, Wayne State University. Cruz had an intense thirst for knowledge and never stopped educating himself on numerous topics, reading and studying about a multitude of subjects. He held a variety of occupations, ultimately retiring from a skilled position as a Metal Mold Maker with General Motors.

A magnetic, warm, and kind-hearted person, it seemed that he never met a stranger. Cruz cherished his family and friends and enjoyed making new friends. He prayed daily and with great faith for the well-being of everyone he cared for and for the world itself. He will be missed by many and mourned deeply by his daughters, Nicki Ruswinkle (Todd); Elisa Obregon (John Kokoszka); brothers, Benito (Jackie), Rolando; and sisters, Olivia Herrera (Julian), Anita Martin; granddaughter Maya Rose; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and “granddogs,” who were all so dear to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benito and Maria de Jesus Obregon; brothers, Paul and Antonio; and sisters, Maria (Flores), Juanita, and Esmeralda.

Family and friends will be received at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Toledo School for the Arts / The Portal, 1401 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604. A memorial prayer service will begin promptly at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Kidney Fund (AKF), American Diabetes Association, or Best Friends Animal Society.

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