Jose Nelson Santana, age 61 of Merrillville and formerly of East Chicago passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2017.  He was born on February 24, 1956 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.  He served in the U.S.  Army and was a dedicated owner of Priceless Memories Studios .   Nelson was a lover of sports, antique cars, music, dancing, enjoying life, and spending time with friends and family.  He also loved to travel with his Shnookums.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Santana of Merrillville, IN; 8 children, Javier Armenta of Hammond, IN; Erica (Chris) Deinert of Gary, IN; Jenifer (Jose) Garcia of Dyer, IN; Demi (Josh)Santana of Chesterton, IN; Isabella Santana of Chesterton, IN; Ashley (Tennis) Halsey of Valparaiso, IN; Erica Herrera of Hobart, IN; Miguel (Melisa) Herrera of Hobart, IN; 13 grandchildren, two nephews, Mark Orosco of Phoenix, AZ; Luis Orosco of Canovanas, Puerto Rico; and many family members abroad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymundo Santana, and Cecelia Roldan, and his brother, Wilson Orosco.

Funeral services are Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 11 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage.  Visitation is Monday, November 20, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Portage.  (219) 762-3013 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com .