ISRAEL "TALA" CONTRERAS Israel "Tala" Contreras, 48, passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012 at a local hospital. Mr. Contreras was born in Grafton, North Dakota and had been a resident of Laredo for most of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugenio and Maria Florinda Contreras. Nephews, Jason Scott Contreras and Juan Gonzalez. Uncle, Israel Contreras. He is survived by his loving wife, Petra "Pat" Contreras. Brothers, Eugenio (Neva) Contreras, Rafael (Jenny) Contreras, Jose Porfirio (Sylvia) Contreras, Francisco Contreras, Arturo Contreras, Leonel (Maricela) Contreras and Emiliano (Cristina) Contreras. Sisters, Elsa (Ernesto) De La Cruz, Mary Helen (Juan) Gonzalez, Carolina (Fortunato) Blanquez, Rosana (Norberto) Paredes, Margarita (Eddie) Resendez, Angelina (Ruben) Garcia, Maria De La Luz (Heriberto) Gonzalez, Rachael (Mike) Dahl and Adelita (Rudy) Chocon Roldan. Special Nephews, John Dewey Dahl and Heriberto "Heriquio" Gonzalez. Also surviving him are nephews, nieces, other relatives and numerous friends. Visitation and a Vigil of the Deceased was held on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 in the Hernandez-Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston St. at San Bernardo Ave. Funeral services will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2012 departing from the funeral home chapel. Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. at San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Committal services will be held at a later date.