Jose "Fred" Lopez Obituary
Description: Jose "Fred" Lopez Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...
Jose "Fred" Lopez
Obituary
Jose G.A. Lopez, “Fred”, 76, of Rocky Ford sadly passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 17, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. He was born on June 11, 1947, in Las Vegas NM, to Geranimo “Jerry” R. and Tillie Gonzalez Lopez. He grew up and was raised in La Junta and moved to Rocky Ford as a young teenager where he graduated from Rocky Ford High School. It was in Rocky Ford where he met his love, his heart, and soul mate, Erlinda DeHerrera. They were married on September 3, 1966. Shortly after, Jose was deployed to Vietnam and he proudly served his country until his return in 1969. Upon his return, he and Erlinda built their home and beautiful family in Rocky Ford.
Of all of Jose’s life experiences, there was nothing he was more proud of than his family. Jose was hardworking as a skilled tradesman and plumber, and he retired from La Junta Medical Center. After retirement, his days continued to be full, and you could find him enjoying himself by piddling in the garage, helping his sons with projects, spending time with his grandchildren and visiting with friends and family. He was a kind man who made time for others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and a listening ear. He would listen to his family and friends patiently and offer his heartfelt advice. Friends and family describe Fred as first, a man of God, and he was a member and volunteer of St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Friends also describe him as charming, kind, faithful, loving, friendly, strong, spiritual, funny, and patient. He was all of this, and he was a protector and a warrior, fighting to the end.
Jose also had an adventurous side, and he loved to travel. It didn’t matter if the destination was near or far, he was going to make it fun and exciting. With sandwiches and soda, he would pack up his three children and wife and off they would go, road tripping across Colorado. Outside of his Colorado trips, he made beautiful memories on his trips to Hawaii, South Carolina, Georgia, New York, California, Mexico, and Las Vegas, NV. In addition to traveling, he was a dancer! He loved dancing with his wife the best, and he made sure to pass on his love of dancing to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It wasn’t unusual for these dance lessons to happen spontaneously in the middle of the kitchen or in the living room, and these lessons not only moved the feet of the dancers, these lessons moved their hearts as well. Jose loved big, and he and his wife always had an open door in their home. He believed in welcoming and feeding everyone. He was a man of great love and he will be forever missed.
Jose leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Erlinda Lopez, his children Lonnie (Peggy Benavidez) Lopez, Tracey (Joe) Lucero, Nicholas (Suzie Smith) Lopez, his grandchildren Carlos (Meghan) Lopez, Isaiah (Amber) Lucero, Chris Sanchez, Dillon, Derrick, and Danielle Lucero, Whitney (Zack) Barner, Samantha (Michael) Fuller, Cynthia Lopez, his 14 great-grandchildren Elijah Lucero-Medina, Emmanuel Lopez, Keaghan and Kensey Chesser, Zoey, Liam, and Brock Barner, Sophia and Macie Fuller, Nash and Cruz Lopez, Caleb and Justus Sanchez and Evalina Lucero. He is survived by his siblings Helen (Domingo) Martinez of Lakewood, Marilyn (Dan) Zarate of Denver, Robert Lopez of Golden, MaryAnn (Fabian) Rangel of Thronton, Eugene (Sally) Lopez of Denver, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Fred is also survived by his neighbor, Steve Vigil, who he fondly referred to as “his son.” He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arturo “Archie” and Ernesto “Ernie” Lopez, sister Jane Lopez Chaparro, his in-laws Ralph and Amy DeHerrera, grandson Brandon C. Lopez, and daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Lopez Lovato.
Visitation Held on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Rosary Service Held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 10:00am at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford with Services to Follow at 10:30a. Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
