Obituary of Dr. Manuel J. Castañeda

Our beloved father and grandfather, Dr. Manuel Joseph Castañeda passed away on December 14, 2020 at the age of 89 yrs old. Manuel was born in Simons Brick Yard, Los Angeles, CA to Evaristo and Mary Angelina Castañeda in 1931. He was the eldest son of 5 siblings.

Manuel met his bride, Carmelita Woerner, while serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, Manuel and Carmelita were married and settled in Sacramento CA. In 1962, he earned a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine. He opened a private practice in South Sacramento and served his community until he retired.

Manuel enjoyed traveling with his wife, family, and close friends. Their travels led to adventures in the jungles of Africa, playing with the panda bears in China, and exploring the wonders of Polar Bears and Penguins in Antarctic.

Folk dancing was a big part of Manuel’s life. It was clear during the first years of marriage, Manuel and Carmelita were destined to be life dance partners. They were members of a Sacramento Folk and Square Dance Club for over 40 years. They participated in local, national and international folk dance exhibitions taking them to Mexico, Germany and the Philippines. Manuel continued to be a desired dance partner at senior dances until his death.

Manuel was a dedicated member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church serving at the Roseville and Antelope congregations. In his later years, Manuel continued to worship at the Woodside and Carmichael SDA churches.

Manuel was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 yrs, Carmelita Woerner Castañeda. He is survived by two daughters Dr. Carmelita Patrice Castañeda and Mrs. Mary Angelina Llopis, son-in-law Jeffrey Llopis, four grandchildren Angelina Berlin, Tina Peretz, Melana Llopis, and Raya Llopis, and 3 great-grandchildren Fama and Fasola Peretz and Honor Berlin.

In the passing of his wife, Manuel requested to have inscribed the following on their monument, “We lay asleep until the day we hear the Lord call, “Manuel and Carmelita awake and come forth”. Let us take comfort in these words. Rest in peace, Dad.