It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Manuel Leon Covarrubias, 75, of Addison, Illinois. He died peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Manuel was born September 12, 1950 in Mexico to parents Maximino Leon and Maria Covarrubias. There he grew up on a farm and worked the fields with his family. At the age of 24, Manuel immigrated to the United States in search of greater opportunities, working there for many years before returning to Mexico to marry the love of his life, Juventina, in 1994. Soon after they returned with one another to the United States. They settled in Chicago, where they were blessed with two children, Emmanuel and Luis.

Manuel had a lifelong passion for cars, taking great pleasure in both collecting and restoring them. When he was not working on a vehicle, he passed the time tinkering with something in the garage, finding joy in creating, improving, and repurposing. He rarely rested; always working on a new project and was heavily admired for his tireless work ethic. In addition Manuel loved music,  though he had no formal training, he played the piano and accordion beautifully. He was a devoted Catholic attending church with Juventina; no matter the weather, always together as one.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Juventina Leon; his sons, Emmanuel Leon (Amanda Kolody) and Luis Leon (Amanda Leon); beloved grandchildren, Anastasia Rose Leon and Lucia Rose Leon. As well as his siblings, Luz, Pedro, Isabel, Jesus, Jose, Luisa, Alfredo, Lorenzo, and Rafael.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his siblings Antonia, Magdalena, Rafaela, Francisca, and Natividad, whom he now joins in eternal rest with the Lord.

A velorio will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 565 Randy Road, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. An additional velorio will be held at St. Alexander Catholic Church 300 S Cornell Avenue Villa Park, IL 60181, on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 10:30 a.m.  Interment will follow immediately at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.