Roberto (Fili) Almanza
Roberto (Fili) Almanza was born to Martha Rios and Thomas Almanza on April 5, 1941, in Ignacio Zaragoza, Mexico. He passed away in his home surrounded by family on Aug. 22, 2022, in Imperial, Nebraska.
Roberto grew up in El Leon, Mexico with his parents and five siblings. In his early 20’s he met his lifelong partner Gloria Almanza (Bencomo). The two were married on April 5, 1962. Roberto and Gloria were blessed with six children Sergio, Hector Manuel, Omar, Aldo, Gloria Lizbeth, and Flor. They were his greatest blessings.
The couple raised their children in Zaragoza, Mexico where they farmed and ranched. Roberto enjoyed attending to his livestock and fields. Roberto instilled a hard work ethic into his children and grandchildren. He always looked for ways to better his and his family’s lives. Roberto’s love and dedication is what drove him to move his family to the United States in search for a better life. Roberto and his wife resided in Holyoke for several years before moving to Imperial. He was employed by several places in both communities.
Due to health complications Roberto retired early. He spent close to 12 years traveling three times a week to McCook in order to receive dialysis. In his many years of attending Davita, Roberto made lifelong friends who also happened to be his caretakers. Roberto always had a sense of humor and joked with his nurses and doctors at Davita.
One of Roberto’s greatest joys were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had 20 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He enjoyed when any of them would visit him and would share stories of his younger self. Roberto had the biggest heart and loved his family endlessly. If he wasn’t with family, he was listening to music or having a snack. Roberto knew no stranger and would welcome anyone into his home.
Roberto is survived by wife Gloria Almanza of Imperial; children Sergio (Lorena) Almanza of Imperial, Hector (Josefina) Almanza of Beatrice, Omar (Gloria) Almanza of Imperial, Aldo (Adriana) of Lamar, Colorado, Gloria (Jesus) Jimenez of Holyoke, Colorado and Flor (Uriel) Martinez of Greeley, Colorado; grandchildren Alberto Almanza, Cynthia Almanza, Sergio Jr. Almanza, Hector Jr. (Jayce) Almanza, Berenice (Jose) Figueroa, Nerayda Almanza, Edgar (Abby) Almanza, David (Miakayla) Almanza, Abigail (Jack) Bauerle, Yeraldin Almanza, Kenya (Fabian) Chavez, Aldo Almanza, Yessenia Almanza, Areli Almanza, Jair Jimenez, Diego Jimenez, Vianey Jimenez, Emily Jimenez, Eliz Martinez and Elian Martinez; great-grandchildren Gus Almanza, Jo Almanza, Nicolas Figueroa, and Baby Figueroa.
A memorial mass was held Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at St Patrick Catholic Church of Imperial, with Father Lothar Gilde celebrant.
Roberto’s wishes were for cremation with no visitation. His cremains will be inurned in Mexico.
A memorial, In Roberto’s memory, has been suggested to the Almanza Family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
Liewer Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.