Jose Aranda was born in Bettendorf, Iowa. At a young age, his family moved to Juarez, Mexico. In 1948, he met Bertha Campos Aranda at a party, and he knew it was love at first sight. After one year of dating, they married on September 3, 1949.
After having four children, they moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1955. Jose was the sole provider for his family and worked various jobs until he could own his wrecking yard, fixing and selling cars. In 1984, Jose retired and moved to Lucerne Valley with his second-to-oldest son, Antonio (Tony). Many fond memories were created at the “Big House,” pool parties, and barbeques, including Jose and his wife dancing to música española. Jose loved dancing, watching the Dodgers, boxing, playing cards, going to casinos to play video poker, and celebrating Father’s Day and his birthdays in Las Vegas.
Jose died peacefully at his home on December 20, 2023, surrounded by his children in Lucerne Valley, California. He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Bertha; his parents, Santiago and Juana; son-in-law, Juan Heredia; Daughter-in-law Margarita Aranda; and grandson, Andrew Aranda. He is survived by his four children, Manuel, Tony, Jose (Inez/Joe), Carmen and their spouses Mercedes and Alice; 11 grandchildren, Michael, Marcella, Manuel, Hector, Robert, Carlos, John, Maria, Lucia, Gabriel, and Sergio; his 12 great-grandchildren Christian, Selena, Anthony, Dominique, Jacob, RJ, Alex, Jayven, Ryan, Ian, Juliana, Brooke and 6 great-great-grandchildren Manaia, Reign, River, Mane Toma, Aspen, and Kehlani.
