Joseph M. Saldana, 86, passed away April 28, 2011, at home in Hutchinson.

He was born May 4, 1924, in Mexico City, Mexico, the son of Trinidad and Refugio Carredo Saldana.

He was united in marriage to Josephine D. Espinosa on July 19, 1945. Joseph became a naturalized citizen on May 7, 1968. He was employed by St. Elizabeth Hospital and retired from USD 308, where he was a welder and mechanic. Joseph was a member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Josephine Saldana, Hutchinson; two sons, Edward F. Saldana (Donna) of Wichita, and Robert L. Saldana (Sheila) of Kansas City, Mo.; five daughters, Janet Potter of McPherson, Helen "Julie" Rodriguez (Gilbert) of Hutchinson, Mary Mahoney (Michael) of Oak Harbor, WA, and Sally Saldana and Zita Hunt, both of Hutchinson; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and three brothers.

Parish rosary will be 7 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, and Celebration of Mass will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2011, both at St. Teresa's Catholic Church, with Father Nicholas Voelker and Father Brian Nelson presiding. Friends may call 9-9 Sunday and 9-4 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary. Private family burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Homecare of Reno County, St. Teresa's Catholic Church, or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a personal message for Joseph's family.