October 10, 1966 ~ September 2, 2019

It is with great sadness that the family of Juan Cruz announces his passing after a hard fought battle with cancer. Juan Cruz, 52, of Lee’s Summit, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019. Juan was born on October 10, 1966 in Huayllay, Cerro de Pasco, Peru to Blas Cruz and Irma Palacios.

Juan will be lovingly remembered by his wife Estela, who would have celebrated 28 years of marriage in October, as well as his four children Lizzy, Luigi, Josue, and Mia. He will also be missed by his siblings who remain in Peru; Jesús, Manuel, Olinda, Ivan, Osias, Tulio, Josué y Cristian.

Juan immigrated from Peru to the Kansas City area with his family on March 4, 2000 in search of new opportunities.

He was an active member of the greater Kansas City Latino community and a longtime leader in his SDA church. He sang in the church choir, coached youth soccer, and loved working in youth ministries. Juan was a futbol aficionado and enjoyed sports. He loved to take his family to the city, to walk around and spend time together. 

He was the founder and co-owner of Click Signs, a custom signage, advertising, and printing company. Juan was a contributor for Univision KC and ESPN, and was the founder of Conexiones, a magazine that covers sports and the Latino community in KC.

The family will greet friends from 2:00 pm until the time of service at SDA Multicultural Church for the Community, 9820 Raytown Road on Saturday, September 7, 2019. The memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm. Burial will follow at Longview Cemetery. 

A Celebration of Life dinner and program will start at 7:00 pm at SDA Multicultural Church for the Community for anyone who would like to share their memories of Juan. 

Arrangements under the care of Longview Funeral Home and Cemetery