Obituary

Remembering Rafael Torres Mendoza

Rafael Torres Mendoza, aged 24, of Wyoming, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2019.  Rafael will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Maria Mendoza Lara; sister and brother-in-law, Miriam Torres Mendoza and Steven Vargas; brother, John Matthew Lara Mendoza; nieces and nephew: Leah, Steven Rafael, and Mila; many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, Rafael Torres Soto.  Rafael graduated from GRCC and worked as a automotive technician for Toyota Grand Rapids.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2020, at St. Francis Xavier and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 250 Brown St.SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Ted Kozlowski and Rev. Jose Quintana, celebrating.  Relatives and friends may visit the family Friday, January 10 from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m.

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You’re ok now bud🕊🙌🏻

— Dana Batka

The closer to your one year the harder it is to act normal. Still can't actually believe you're gone... we saw the pain you were in. We said things privately but none of us could help. From the first meeting at the steps to the ditch scene at meijer.. I'm glad you found a way to ease your pain man, I'm glad you're free. But **** this month will be hard. Much love, Ben.

— Benjamin W.

Man I still can't believe this bro!!! You were like the little brother that always wants to argue then drink lol..... I just want you to know I love you dude and you'll never be forgotten

— Carl Jenkins

Mi mas sentido pésame para la Familia Mendoza Lara se lo que se siente un vacío enorme difícil de llenar Te deseo un buen viaje en camino hasta el cielo que seas muy Feliz en la vida eterna !! Lementablemente yo no pude convivir contigo lo suficiente porque desde que migraron a USA jamas te volví a ver solo te conocí por fotos !! Por carencia de un visado no nos conocimos en persona Siempre te recordaré y te llevare en mi corazón por siempre Se que dejas un enorme dolor y sufrimiento para tu Familia en Míchigan Bendiciones hasta el cielo Sinceramente,tu primo Daniel Mendoza desde León,Gto Mexico

— Daniel Mendoza

Mi Raffi te me fuiste muy pronto, siempre te llevare en mi corazón me quedo con todas las memorias que compartimos juntos, tu sonrisa que siempre tenías, tus caras chistosas, siempre bien vestido, gracias por los bellos recuerdos que nos regalaste... nos dejas un dolor 💔 y un vació enorme te extrañare siempre Primo 😪 Disfruta y goza de la presencia de Dios, no te digo adiós si no hasta luego mi Raffi ahora mi ángel 😇 un beso hasta el cielo.

— Nelly Fernández

Oh, brother! You were my first best friend in life, my confidante, the best chef to all our made-up food recipes, my loyal and most trusted babysitter to all three of my children, the most beloved uncle by your nieces and nephew. My favorite musician with the coolest guitar, the best roller coaster buddy I ever had, and you know that was hard to find. As your big sister, I am proud of all you accomplished in life from your education to your career. I observed your passion for fixing cars to riding your motorcycle and moped all around town. I will miss being able to see and talk to you every day. Your lovable personality, your contagious smile with crazy life stories, and hysterical jokes followed by your insane dance moves. You always made every moment a memorable one. With great sadness in my heart, I say goodbye and see you in heaven. I love you very much, little brother. May God have you in his glory, Raffi the Great!

— Meah Torres

I'm so so very sorry. Nothing I could say could possibly ease this pain. Please know I am sincerely praying hard for you and your family. My heart is heavy and broken for you. I love you and will continue to pray and be here for you, always.

— Nicole Proudfoot

Tee and I are blessed to have known Rafi! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Please take care and let me know if there is anything I can do to help?

— Jim Tuttle Jr

Mi niño hermoso, mi corazon esta roto! Te recordare por el resto de mis dias con esa sonrisa y sentido del humor que solo tu podias projectar. I love you baby cousin! None of our lives will be the same without you! Until we meet again mi niño. May God help our family surpass this difficult time. I love you.

— Elisa Rodriguez (Dani)

Primo deceo que tengas un hermoso y feliz viaje estaras en nuestras Oraciones para que llegues con bien.....Te extrañaremos mucho pero sabemos que estaras gozando junto a tu papi y abuelos....No estaras solito mientras le pedimos a Dios Padre que nos de fuerza sobretodo a tu mami y hermana.....hasta pronto Primo nos veremos un dia en la otra vida!!.....I love you Rafi 🙏☝️🙏❤💔

— Yajaira Fernandez

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