Mr.  Amando Saenz

SAENZ- Amando G. Saenz of Sparta passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015 at his home. Amando was born in Alice, Texas to Samuel and Santos Saenz on October 28, 1931. He was the first born in a family of fourteen. As a depression era baby and coming from a very large family, he was raised in poverty. He quit school after the second grade so that he could enter the world of work and help support his brothers and sisters. His first job was that of "shoe shine boy" where he had to go out into the street trying to earn a buck. Soon thereafter he worked as a dishwasher and later became a short order cook. Amando's parents found it necessary to venture out into the migrant work force. The family spent an estimated ten years on the migrant stream and eventually settling in Grand Rapids, MI in 1956. The many setbacks in life did not keep Amando from moving forward in life. Through his own originality and visionary drive he leaped forward to solve family hardships and economic problems. After completing the task of helping his brothers and sisters, he went on to fulfill his life's dreams and raise his own family. He crossed many bridges and faced great challenges in life and eventually became a successful businessman. Amando found a job with Romance Gardens where he worked for several years. In this new job he learned all about plants and the greenhouse business and this experience enabled him to establish his own greenhouse in Sparta, MI. With the help and support of his wife and kids the business grew and enjoyed great success for many years. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Heather (Aron) Saenz Oseguera, Roy (Nancy) Saenz, Amando Jr. Saenz, Debra (Gary) Flachs, Diane Marble, Mike Saenz; his grandchildren, Jason Flachs, Donald & Nathan Saenz, Ramiro & Alicia Oseguera, Jacob, Joshua & Jackquline, Adreana Molhoek, Samantha, Alexis & Miguel Saenz; his brothers and sisters, Samuel Saenz, Thomas Saenz, Tony (Anne) Saenz, Roger (Mary Lou) Saenz, Leonard Saenz, Olivia Saenz, Sue (Joe) Estefan, Brijida (Denny) White and Irma Delaganria. Amando was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Idolina (Acero) Saenz and siblings, David and Robert Saenz. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 20, 2015 at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. The family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hispanic Ministry of Our Lady of Sorrows. To share a photo or memory and to sign the family's online guestbook, please visit www.stegengafunerchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Amando Saenz please visit our Sympathy Store.