Felipe Araiza Rangel

Felipe Araiza Rangel, 82, of Topeka, died December 23, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on January 2, 1931 one of thirteen children born to Tiburcio G. and Eulojia (Araiza) Rangel. Felipe was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps where he served during the Korean conflict and received a Purple Heart medal. He and his brothers started the Rangel Brothers American G.I. Forum and he was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans. He worked for Santa Fe Railway for six years prior to working for the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center where he was the General Foreman for Housekeeping for over 30 years retiring in 1986. Felipe also worked in maintenance for the Episcopal Diocease of Kansas for over 40 years and for Hayden High School. Felipe was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where he served as a lector and served numerous hours volunteering for the Fiesta and the church. He also was a volunteer for Hayden High School. He was a member of the Nate Morales Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, the James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Sodality, Nocturnal Adoration Society and Light of the World. Felipe volunteered as a lunch helper at Holy Family Catholic School where he was also a member of the Booster Club. Felipe especially loved spending time with his family, and traveling. The family would travel to Mexico every other year. He was known for the care and attention he gave to his home yard and cars. He was affectionately known as "Mr. Clean". He dedicated his life to providing for his family and supporting his church by holding multiple occupations. His legacy to his children and grandchildren was to instill in them by example a strong work ethic and to keep their faith and church as an integral part of their lives. Felipe married Mary Patricia Torrez at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on October 23, 1954. She survives. He is also survived by his children; Rita (Greg) Bennett of Topeka, Rosalia (Jose) Mulford of Texas, Felipe Rangel Jr. of Oswego, Illinois and fiancée Jackie Smith, Celia (Edward) Vega of Topeka, Alicia (Ricko) Cordova of Overland Park, Ks., 24 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one on the way, a brother Tiburcio "Butch" Rangel of Lansing, Michigan and sister Carmen (Rudy) Rangel-Perez of Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Edward, Raymond, Jose, John, Fidel, Aurora, Dolores and three in infancy. Felipe will lie in state at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church after 2:00 p.m. on Monday. The Daughter's of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503 Rosary will be prayed at 3:00 p.m. A Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Vietnam Veterans. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.