JUAN “JOHN” L. VIRGEN
Aug. 29, 1947 - Mar. 4, 2020
Juan L. Virgen, age 72 of Brawley, CA passed away peacefully March 4, 2 020 at home with his loving family by his side.
He was born August 29, 1947 in Fresno, CA t o Francisco and Magdalena Virgen. Juan was one of 7 siblings. As he grew o lder, his father and siblings worked as farm laborers in the fields in C entral California. E very year, they traveled back and forth from Central California to Brawley. At t he age of 1 7, J uan married Lupe Guzman and began working to support his family at v arious jobs. Juan was then hired by the Imperial Irrigation District as a Heavy Equipment Operator and worked for the IID for 31 years.
Juan, with his wife Lupe by his side, helped raise a large, loving family. His proudest a ccomplishment was his marriage of 55 y ears and his strong family ties.
In addition to visiting with family and friends, Juan enjoyed playing softball and coaching men and women in the local softball league. Juan also coached little league baseball for approximately 28 years. Juan was a passionate Angels and Rams f an. H e enjoyed collecting baseball cards and memorabilia.
He especially loved going to the Angels stadium every season to watch his favorite team take the field. After Juan retired, he discovered a new hobby t hat b rought him joy. That hobby was playing Bingo.
Throughout h is life, Juan has touched so many. His wife and children are so grateful and proud to have h ad such an amazing soul as their husband/father.
He w as preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Magdalena Virgen; t hree brothers, Ruben, Augustin and Ramon; one sister, Felipa Virgen; son, Albert Virgen and great- grandson, Caius Virgen Acosta.
Juan is survived by his wife, L upe G. V irgen; children, Sandra (Robert) Alvarado, Anna (Gorda) Virgen, Cynthia (Daniel) Merrill and Grace (Ernie Bustamante) V irgen and John G. Virgen; daughter- in- law, J ennifer Florez and Robert Alvarado; siblings, ( Pancha) Torres and Inez Rubio; Juan had many first c ousins and they bonded like brothers and sisters). He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, in- laws and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 f rom 6 to 9 p.m. a t Frye Chapel & Mortuary in B rawley, CA. Service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2020 a t 1 0 a.m. with Rosary being said at 9:30 a.m. at S t. Margaret Mary Church in Brawley, CA and will be officiated by F ather Ed H orning. Burial will immediately follow at R iverview Cemetery in Brawley.