Juan Alfonso Calderón, lovingly known as “Ponchi” to his friends and “Papi” to his girls, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, March 2, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by the people that he loved.
Born on June 25, 1951, in the copper mining town of Chuquicamata, Chile—affectionately known as “Chuqui”—Juan was the only son of Juan Enrique Calderón and María Estrella Vendrell. He attended school throughout Chile—from Antofagasta, the driest desert in the world, to Victoria, Chile, where he experienced rain for the first time at 12 years old. In 1968, his family traveled to Wichita, where he attended North High for a year. He later finished high school in Santiago and went on to the University of Concepcion to receive a degree in heating air conditioning and refrigeration.
Juan immigrated from Chile to Argentina. His journey then took him across hemispheres in the pursuit of opportunity and with the help of his sisters in the United States, he came to Wichita in 1979 and established roots and stability that defined him. He worked in HVAC, maintenance and committed to a career in sheet metal at Learjet in Wichita, Kansas, where he worked until his retirement.
Juan was a gentleman. And he was patient. His strong Methodist faith helped him to endure - a wife, two daughters and five granddaughters that grew up under his roof - and guided him to lead his family.
His silence spoke volumes. There was always a solution in his eyes. Whether fixing something with his hands, offering guidance, or simply sitting beside someone in support, he brought calm and reassurance.
At the center of his world was his wife Irma. He loved her. They would spend hours playing the guitar and singing, and he would serenade her. Their home was filled with music and laughter.
Music was his greatest joy and established the connection with his children and grandchildren. In his amateur recording studio, he recorded his “cinco nietas” singing. Through music, he passing down songs, culture, memories and joy.
His humor stayed with him until the very end. In fact, he asked us to play “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen at his service.
Juan is survived by his wife, Irma Susana Calderón; daughters Estrella Susana Thimmesch (Tom) and Lissette Dianne Calderón; granddaughters Jacinda Magallanes (Juan); Amy Thimmesch, Skylie Calderón, Ellen and Jenna Thimmesch, and great-grandson, Juan Magallanes; brother-in-law, Don Lineback; and many nieces, grand nephews and dear friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Juan Enrique Calderón and María Estrella Vendrell; his sisters, Daniza Rojas and her husband, Moises “Tio Wille” Rojas; Liliana Santander and her husband, Waldo Santander Sr.; Silvia Ross and her husband, Percy Ross; and Sonia Lineback; as well as his nephew, Waldo Santander Jr.
Visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on March 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7901 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205, US, on March 6, 2026, at 10:00 am.
A Committal Service will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, US, on March 6, 2026.
