Jose Cardenas

Jose Cardenas, 87, of Perrysburg, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026 peacefully in his home. Jose was born January 24, 1938 in the small town of Dolores, Texas to Atanacio and Jovita (Rodriguez) Cardenas.

For 27 years, Jose put his creativity and close attention to detail to work in Pemberville, OH, welding for Modine. He retired in 2006.

The melody to Jose’s life’s song would play for 87 years. Married October 20, 1956, Jose dedicated 69 of his years to his wife Maria (Ibarra), who cared for and loved him in a way that many people never experience in their life. Having known each other since their childhood school days, their friendship developed over time. Conversations had, while working side by side, would lay the foundation for what would become a lifetime shared together.

They made their home in Ohio, where life was filled with laughter, joy, music, and dancing, all inspired by their five wonderful children. Jose loved spending time with his family and always had an open door with a full house. You would often find him trying to make his grandchildren laugh and dance at any moment. His lawn was meticulously maintained and his garden always reaped a bountiful harvest. He made sure he kept an emergency hot pepper in his pocket at all times.

Jose had a tremendous love for music and was a man of many talents. He played accordian, guitar, bass, bajo sexto, and was a vocalist. Passing along that love for music, he taught his boys how to play instruments and was in many bands: Los Caminates, La Lumbre de Joey Cardenas, Meme Martinez y su Conjunto, and Eddie y Filomena Cruz. They spent countless weekends with a loaded van, traveling the tri-state area playing venues.

Along with his wife, Maria; Jose is survived by his children; San Juan, Jose Javier (Margie), Magdalena, Ricardo (Linda) and Esmeralda; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sister, Ariz (Jesus).

Jose stepped into eternity to sing his song with the angels and loved ones preceded in death: his parents; Atanacio and Jovita; his siblings; Francesca, Marcos, Atanacio Jr., and Juan Jose; his son in law, Tomas Albert; and grandson Xavier Atanacio.

Friends and family will be received Friday, January 30, 2026 from 2-7 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, where the rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. A funeral mass will held Saturday, January 31, 2026, 10:30 A.M. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 E. Front Street, Perrysburg. Burial will follow in St. Rose Cemetery. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.