Vidal Mendez, 92, of Oelwein passed away Wednesday June 3, 2020.  Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Monday June 8, 2020 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will be private.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 9 of Oelwein.  Memorials may be directed to the family.

Joseph Vidal Mendez was born in Oelwein on April 28, 1928 to parents Frank and Juana (Rodriguez) Mendez.  He graduated from Oelwein High school.  Vidal then served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, where he received two Purple Hearts.  On November 19, 1960 he was united in marriage with Shirley Stauffer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas, IA.  Vidal was employed on the loading docks with Rath Packing in Waterloo for 35 years.  He then was employed in the maintenance department at the VA Hospital in Iowa City for 15 years.  Vidal was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, American Legion, VFW, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the Eagle’s Club.

Left to celebrate Vidal’s life are his sons: Tom (Connie) Mendez of Shakopee, MN and Jim (Vickie) Mendez of Oelwein; his grandchildren: Nick, Hannah, Amanda, Zac, Marisa and Madison; his great-grandchildren: Ariana, Abram, Ava, Maverick, Skylar and Oliver; his siblings: Natividad Mendez of Oelwein and Bob (Pat) Mendez of Knoxville, TN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley and his daughter Patricia Mendez.