NERIO, Arnif of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather went home to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011. He passed away at Caretel Inns of Tri-City surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old. Arnif Nerio was born on September 28, 1922 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Luis and Genevieve (De La Garza) Nerio. He was predeceased in death by wife, Trinidad (Trine) Ayala, to whom he was married for more than 67 years, and cared for her as her health declined. She passed away on September 4, 2008.

As a young man, Arnif served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He saw combat in New Guinea in the South Pacific while serving with the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry Division. He received a Purple Heart and many additional honors. On October 19, 2002 he was interviewed by the University of Texas/Austin and his World War II experience was published in the U.S. Latino and Latina World War II Oral History Project.

Arnif was instrumental in the founding and establishment of the American Legion Post 500. He was employed by General Motors at the Saginaw Malleable Iron Division for more than 30 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arnif enjoyed traveling and taking road trips throughout the United States. He enjoyed woodworking and submitted several of his invention ideas for patent. Arnif was also a self-taught musician. He enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica, singing, dancing, and sharing his musical talents with family and friends.

Arnif’s memory will be cherished by his five children: Jack (Cora) Mendoza of Saginaw, Gloria (Dan) Cardona of Bay City, Malinda (Gabriel) Villarreal of Bay City, Armida (Robert) Paramo of Sylvan Lake, and Arnold (Pauline) Nerio of Dewitt; 17 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 12 great-great grandchildren; one brother: Fred (Veronica) Nerio; four sisters: Esther Aguilar, Eloisa (Juan) Armendarez, Olga (Tom) Champagne, Isabel (Mike) Gugyela; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Frances Oviedo.

He was preceded in death by four brothers: Albert, Carl, Rudolph and Siefred Nerio; three sisters: Louise Nerio Flores, Olivia Nerio Dergis, and Alice Nerio Gonzales.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Covenant Hospital, Caretel Inns of America and Hospice Advantage for their compassion and care.

FUNERAL: Arnif’s Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. Sixth Ave. Rev. Fr. Frank Voris, O.F.M. Cap. will officiate with the Rite of Committal to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery under the auspices of the United States Army and the American GI Forum of Saginaw.

VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, December 29, 2011 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Funeral Home. Arnif will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Hospice Advantage. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com