Benito Cantu

Benito Cantu

Saginaw, Michigan

Benito Cantu, a proud U.S. Army veteran, and beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, nephew, and friend, passed away on May 30, 2025, at age 73, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Born in San Benito, Texas, on September 3, 1951, Benito moved to Saginaw, Michigan, as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. His Army service granted him four years of seniority when he began his 35-year career at General Motors, Saginaw Steering Gear Plant 3.

In his younger years, Benito was full of energy and always on the move. He played softball, ran 5Ks and10Ks, and spent Sundays washing and waxing his cars at local parks. He also loved packing up his kids, nieces, nephews, and little sister for beach days in Caseville, MI, where they grilled, swam, and played together. Eventually, he brought those good times home when he bought a house with a pool in Freeland, Michigan.

A true inventor, Benito crafted a backyard sprinkler before in-ground systems existed, rigged a remote TV control decades before Bluetooth, and created a patented invention that improved the car assembly line at General Motors.

Benito loved shooting pool his entire life, known for his sharp aim and calm focus. He played on several leagues and cherished his alabaster pool stick, playing until his final days. He enjoyed NFL games, reading, journaling, and reading maps, a skill learned from his father.

Benito was a natural entertainer whose quick wit and one-liner jokes could light up any room. His humor was how he connected with people, turned strangers into friends, and brightened the lives of everyone around him. Above all, Benito treasured time with family, especially visits with his grandchildren in Texas. He taught his

grandkids to waste not, want not, storing leftovers in a container labeled "Grandpa's Grub," a special treasure they will dearly miss, just like him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ignacio II and Maria Cantu; his son, Benito Ignacio Cantu; his wife, Sylvia Peña-Cantu; former wife, Melva Guerra; and siblings Juanita (Robert) Rentería, Javier "BB" Cantu, and Alicia (Dan) Duval. He was also preceded in death by his step-grandchild Reco.

He is survived by daughters Sabrina Cantu Burda and Christina Ann Cantu; son Marcus (Jennifer) Joseph Peña; daughter-in-law Patricia Ana Cantu; siblings Lou Cantu, Aurora Barron, Ignacio (Kim) Cantu III, and Marta (Chris) Sanchez; and his mother-in-law, Sara Peña; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Benito was a proud grandfather to Demitri, Isabella "Rosie," Bryce, Becca, Penelope, Jacob, Jordan, Marcella, Vivian, Avery, and step-grandchild David.

Funeral Service will take place on Friday June 13, at 11:00 a.m., at Cederberg-Brietzke Funeral Home, 403 N. Michigan Ave Saginaw with Rev Ernestina Smith Officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday June 12 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment with take place at 2:30 p.m., Friday at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

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