Carlos Mario Villarreal

Carlos Mario Villarreal, 76, of Bloomington, IN, formerly of Bourbonnais, passed away on Thursday, May 29, in Bloomington, IN. Carlos was born on January 8, 1949 in Muzquiz Coahuila Mexico; the second of eight children of Ramiro Villarreal Molina and Dora Villarreal Ortiz. He enjoyed his early years in Mexico growing up alongside a large extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. He moved with his immediate family to Chicago in his early teen years where he navigated high school while learning English. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the Army where he served proudly served our country in the Army as an SP-4 instructing Spanish speaking recruits and in subsequent roles in Europe. On his return to the US he joined civilian life and started a family welcoming his daughter Mary Ann (Villarreal) Slough. Carlos married Rosa Galvan in Chicago on March 4, 1978 and later welcomed son Carlos Ricardo Villarreal. He enjoyed the outdoors and music with both of his children and always stressed the importance of an education. A lifelong learner, Carlos kept his mind sharp by continually reading and enrolling in classes. He honed his organization and hands-on skills into a career of inventive building, troubleshooting, and calibrating in the steel mills of Chicago and at Armour Pharmaceutical (now CSL Behring) where he worked for the rest of his career. He was known as a go-to guy for complex jobs and time sensitive challenges at work. At home he fixed everything from the cars to the roof - no need for contractors - and prided himself on being a good husband, father, and provider for his family. Through it all he somehow found time to help family and friends, always ready to lend a hand. He was a true role model. We are grateful for the time we had with him. He will be missed even as he lives on within us. Carlos is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Rosa, his children; Mary Ann (Edward) Slough of Valparaiso, IN, Carlos Ricardo (Tashera Perry) Villarreal of Bloomington, IN, 4 grandchildren: James D. Slough, Elizabeth A. Slough, Samuel R. Slough, and Carlos Edison Villarreal, 3 sisters: Rosa Yolanda Villarreal, Sr. Patricia Villarreal, and Irene Villarreal all of Batavia, one brother Raul (Lauralee) Villarreal of Clifton, two sisters-in-law Cathy Villarreal of Bradley, Maria Villarreal of Moline; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carlos was preceded in passing by his parents, a sister Dora Villarreal, and 2 brothers Ramiro and Jose Roberto Villarreal. The family will receive guests at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais on Friday, June 6, from 3 pm until the time of funeral at 5 pm. To honor Carlos’ wishes cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Carlos’ name to CurePSP (www.curepsp.org/donate) in support of research toward a cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, the condition that Carlos fought.

Carlos Mario Villarreal

January 8, 1949 - May 29, 2025