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Obituary for Isaac "Ike" Martinez

Isaac "Ike"  Martinez
Longtime Monte Vista resident Isaac “Ike” Martinez, 92, passed away on January 27, 2016 at the San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center in Alamosa.

Ike was born in Antonito, Colorado on August 30, 1924, the son of Simon and Eloisa Montoya Martinez. He attended Monte Vista Elementary the completed school from the National Youth Administration. Ike was drafted into the Army and served in Germany, France and Normandy and always bragged about landing on Omaha Beach on “D Day”. He served from November 26, 1941 to May 10, 1942 in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and received a Purple Heart with clusters, earning his honorable discharged in December of 1945. After all was done, he had received 2 Purple Hearts, a European/African Middle Eastern Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Occupational Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Distinguished Unit Citation. After 70 years, he applied for and was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal. From 1950-1951 he served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged.

Following his military service he met and married Viola Elizabeth Gutierez and they were united in marriage on July 15, 1946 at the Presbyterian Church (formerly Lariat Church) In Monte Vista. To this union were born four children.

Ike worked several farm jobs. He worked at the Malouff Grocery Store in 1951-59 then took a job at Safeway until his retirement. From 1989 until present, he has enjoyed his retirement with his family. Ike and Viola were very supportive of their family, especially his children and grandchildren’s sporting events. They enjoyed travelling all over watching their games.

Ike was a lifetime member of the VFW, DAV and American Legion, and was a member of the B.P.O.E. He enjoyed both playing and working the BINGO games. In his spare time Ike could be found bowling, camping and fishing, and he really enjoyed gambling in Las Vegas, Cripple Creek or Central City. He also liked to cook and his favorite meal was making breakfast for his family while on camping trips in the mountains. Ike was a people person and enjoyed time with folks in and around the community. He was a dedicated Denver Broncos fan.

Ike is survived by his children Jackie Manzanares, Ronald (Carol) Martinez and Peggy (Walt) Haley, all of Monte Vista; his grandchildren Jamie, Melissa, Lucas, Lorilynn, Jason, Justin and Walter III; 15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; his brothers Frank "Pancho" (Bernice) Martinez of Brighton, CO, Rodolfo "Rudy" Martinez of Lakewood, CO; his sister Juanita (Jay Conley) Martinez of Brighton, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Ike is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Viola; his infant son George Martinez; a grandson Glen E. Martinez who was KIA in Iraq in 2008; his grandson Brandon Vice, who died in an auto accident; his parents, in-laws Edward and Maggie Gutierez, and two brothers Andres and Alfred Martinez.

A Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2017 at the Valley Church of the Nazarene in Monte Vista. Interment will follow services in the Homelake Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Contributions are suggested to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Colorado, 1400 Carr Street, Lakewood, CO 80214.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences, remarks or tributes may be made at www.RogersFunerals.com

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