It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Juan Francisco Llanes Santillan, beloved husband, father, brother and son, 67, at his home in Jenison, Michigan, on June 8th, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Monterrey Nuevo León, México on July 18th, 1958, to his parents Higinio Llanes Rodríguez and Francisca Santillan Orozco, he spent his childhood in Colonia Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico. He graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in San Nicolás de los Garza as an Architect in August of 1982. Juan was a private architect while in Mexico, but when he moved to the US in 2000, his skills no longer matched needed skills to continue practicing his craft, so he went to work at Gentex in 2001. He worked there until he was forced to retire due to the progression of the Alzheimer’s disease in 2020. During his time there, in 2010, he became a citizen of the United States. Juan also worked as a caregiver to a paraplegic man for several years while he worked at Gentex, and he found that to be extremely rewarding. Juan was an extremely kind, soft-spoken person who focused on his physical fitness and worked out regularly. He had no use for the material things that most people aspire for. Juan enjoyed some amateur photography. He adored his dogs. He married his partner and best friend, Gerald Chrisman II, September 14, 2019, and they shared a content, happy life together. In March of 2021, when the effects of the Alzheimer’s disease were becoming exceedingly difficult, Gary left his job to become full-time caregiver to Juan.
Juan is survived by his husband, Gerald (Gary) L. Chrisman II, 71, his son from a previous marriage, Adrian Paul Llanes, 22, his siblings, Carolina Llanes Quijano, Higinio Llanes Quijano, 89, Pedro Llanes Quijano, 84, Florentina Llanes Santillan, Jose Llanes Santillán, María Elodia Llanes Santillan, 72, and Matías Llanes Santillan, 70, as well as one nephew in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and several cousins in Grand Rapids and Holland, Michigan. Juan was preceded in death by his father, Higinio Llanes Rodríguez and his mother, Francisca Santillan Orozco.
A memorial service will be held on the 12th of June, at 1:00, visitation will be from 11:00 – 1:00 at Dykstra Funeral Home, 295 Douglas Ave. Holland, Michigan, 49424. A burial will follow at Pilgrim Home Cemetery, 370 E. 16th Street, Holland. The location of a celebration luncheon will be announced at the service.
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