Devoted husband of Nellie (Cotton), loving and cherished father of Simona Encinias, Juan Manuel Jr. (Jamie), Francisca Marisol Soliz (Jubenal Vargas), Maria Victoria Vanessa (Santiago) Almanza, Myrna Lissette Soliz (Dr. Cesar Jimenez), Juan Miguel Soliz, doting brother of Sylvia Rubio (Apolonio) and Ramon Soliz, beloved Grandfather of 12, great grandfather of 2, loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Juan and Francisca (Arenivas), his cherished sister Maria Antonia (Everardo) Acosta, his cherished brother Gilbert (life partner- Amparo Wells). He loved his cats, Olive and Angel and all his fur grandbabies.

Attorney Juan Manuel Soliz had a distinguished career as an educator, a public servant, and an attorney for over forty eight years.

Born December 4, 1949 in Morton Texas, he earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1976 from The University of Washington at Seattle and devoted his life's work to social justice and immigration issues.

He moved to Chicago in 1978 to join The Legal Assistance Foundation. In 1980, he became the first Mexican/Native American Supervising Attorney of The Center for Immigrants.

In 1982 he became the first Mexican/Native American to run for IL State Representative. After forming the Juan M. Soliz Independent Political Party, he became the first Mexican/Native American to be elected to the IL General Assembly in 1984. He distinguished himself as an effective leader by his strong work protecting the rights of minorities, workers, women and consumers.

In March of 1986, he accomplished an unprecedented double victory by winning the nomination as the Democratic candidate for IL State Representative and winning the election as Alderman of the 25th Ward on the same day.

He was the first Mexican/Native American Alderman of that ward and one of the first Mexican/Native American Aldermen in Chicago. While Alderman, he served as the first Mexican/Native American President Pro Tempore of the City Council, Chairman of Human Rights and Consumer Protection Committee, and Chairman of the Aviation Committee. As an alderman, he fought to create ward boundaries for Chicago that were representative of the voters. He had deep roots in and great love for the Pilsen community.

Atty. Soliz continued  to defend immigrant rights and tirelessly advocate for comprehensive immigration reform for all throughout his lifetime.

He co-founded a group, Mexico Defiende Lo Tuyo in September of 2017 to promote awareness of the defects in The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and how this illegal treaty can be used in a realistic manner as a powerful bargaining tool for comprehensive immigration reform.

To further the scope of his activism for Native American/Indigenous rights, he also co-founded UNITY Native American Tribe, a forum for all Native people that provides information and mechanisms of self defense, as well as a forum to conserve, promote and defend our rich cultural heritage.

Atty. Soliz continued to champion all the causes he held dear; social justice, immigrant rights, Indigenous rights, immigration reform and giving voice to the voiceless until his passing. He left an indelible mark upon the world and his immense loss is felt by many who loved him and those who called him friend.

~ Your memory is a blessing. We will forever carry you in our hearts and live to honor you. ~

Visitation Thursday, January 23, 2024 and Friday, January 24, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Saturday,

January 25, 2025, Chapel Prayers 10:30 am from the Wolniak Funeral Home 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL.

60629 to St. Pius V. Catholic Church (1919 S. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL. 60608) Mass 11:30 am. Interment Private.