Joshua Daniel “Josh” Cruz-Salzillo, son of Noe and Anna L. (Salzillo) Araiza, was born on Sunday, November 25, 2007, in Mexico City, Mexico. In 2011, four-year-old Josh, along with his family, relocated to the United States, spending the next seven years in the Pacific Northwest at Irrigon, Oregon. They made another move to Alamorgordo, New Mexico before settling in Hartley, Iowa in December of 2020, calling it “home” ever since.
Josh began his education at HMS and has been part of the “Hawk Nation” since 6th grade. Once the bookwork and homework were handled, Josh focused his attention on the best part of school – athletics! Spring and summer were devoted to track and baseball; football and basketball kept him busy through the fall and winter. No matter which sport he was involved in, Josh always gave his best effort on the playing field. While winning was a lot more fun than losing, it was the camaraderie with teammates and the lasting friendships he made at HMS that Josh valued most.
When school or sports weren’t on the schedule, Josh liked spending his free time outdoors, just doing some fishing or going swimming with his sister, brothers and friends.
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Josh passed from this life at the age of 16 years. Waiting to greet him was his aunt, Kayleen Marie Salzillo.
Keeping his memory close at heart are his parents, Noe and Anna Araiza; one sister, Anna Cruz-Salzillo; brothers: James Cruz-Salzillo, Jr. Araiza, Samuel Araiza, and Caleb Araiza; one nephew, Noe Cruz; his grandmother, Anna Goff; other relatives and a host of friends and classmates.
A memorial service was held March 30 at the HMS High School Gymnasium, Hartley, Iowa with Pastor Michael De Jong officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers were Josh’s teammates and classmates at HMS High School.
Songs of Praise were “10,000 Reasons,” “Amazing Grace” and “Living Hope.”
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.