Ventura was born on February 23, 1929, in Tucson, AZ, the son of Ventura and Beatriz (Magana) Castaneda. He married Juanita Rodriguez in the summer of 1957. Ventura was employed as a painter with the UAW Chrysler for 25 years. He was past President of UAW Local 1268. Ventura was a diehard Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and enjoyed bowling, playing poker, playing the lottery, and he was a master at crossword puzzles, often completing them in pen.
He is survived by his former wife, Juanita Castaneda of Belvidere, IL; daughter, Rose (Joseph) Cramer of Odessa, FL; sons, Victor Castaneda of San Antonio, TX and David (Leinaala) Castaneda of Rockford, IL; brothers, Ignacio (Nash) Castaneda of Rock Falls, Alfred Silva and Anthony “Tony” Ortiz of Sterling; 12 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Arthur Castaneda; grandson Danny Castaneda; 2 brothers; 4 sisters.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with Reverend Charles Warren officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com
