Rene Diaz

Rene Diaz Sr. of Julesburg, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on May 10, 2023, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Rene was born in Julesburg, Colorado, to Trinidad and Ester (Arellano) Diaz. He spent his early years working with his father and brothers on the McGinley farm before his family eventually purchased their own farm, situated in the southwest corner of Deuel County, halfway between Big Springs and Julesburg. Rene attended Oakwood School in Texas and, later, the Julesburg High School after they relocated back to Colorado.

On January 8, 1950, Rene married the love of his life, Simona Navarro, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala. Their union was blessed with six children. The couple lived and raised their family on the farm. Rene eventually retired at the age of 84 after spending the better part of a century working in agriculture.

Rene was a man of strong character, known for his unwavering optimism, honesty, and generosity. He was a true embodiment of hard work and dedication to his family and farm. Rene's spirit was infectious, always finding ways to share or make others laugh. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan, a fisherman, and a man who held his family as his number one priority, with farming coming in a close second. His heart belonged to his wife, children and he cherished his grandchildren. He was a wealth of wisdom with a talent for building anything that his family or farm needed.

Rene was preceded in death by his two brothers, Salvador Diaz and James Diaz, and five sisters, Elvira Diaz, Bertha Hernandez, Josephine Blea, Dora Jimenez, and Delia Jiminez.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Simona of Julesburg; children, Rene Diaz Jr. of Piedmont, SD, Ricardo "Richard" Diaz of North Platte, Ramon "Raymond" (Jane) Diaz of Ogallala, Ruben (Karen) Diaz of North Platte, Simona M. (Anselmo) Tolentino Jr of Brighton CO, and Sara (Mike) Beam of Sutherland; along with 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Rene's memory for later designation by his family. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 2 pm at St. Luke's Catholic Church with Fr. Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Inurnment will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery.

A Wake service and Rosary will be on Thursday at 1:30 pm at St. Luke's Catholic Church.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.