Stephen Martinez

Stephen Martinez, 76, of Fort Collins, Colorado, left peacefully in his sleep, after a brief illness, on January 8, 2023. Stephen was born and raised in Milliken, Colorado. He spent much of his time with family and friends, living a life full of love, mixed with a bit of mischief. His sister Shirley, said he was “a little rascal” (we all agree, as he was always ornery). As a teen, his family moved to Denver, but he continued to spend a lot of time in the Johnstown/Milliken area. He had a lot of friends, that he considered extended family, and he made friends wherever he went. As years went by, he spent time helping local farmers with their harvest in the fall- occasionally taking his children to see the horses, cows and to let them play on the hay bales. In 1973, Stephen began his career with the City of Fort Collins, and happily retired in 2012 to pursue his love of gardening, fishing, and mainly relaxing. He was known to drive by his former co-workers to tease them and make sure they knew where he was going, by flashing his favorite fishing pole in their faces to make them a little bit jealous. He could always be found at his favorite fishing hole, or watering hole. If anyone ever were to visit Stephen at his home, you could see his love for fishing and hunting as soon as you walked in the door. He had several of his trophies displayed on the walls in his living room and could tell you the stories behind them. Usually the story had a twist, and depending on the twinkle in his eyes, you always wondered how much of it was true. He was very hospitable, offering a cold one, and a seat on the porch swing in the shade. He loved to tell the stories about his pet pig, Bubba, and the fun they had going for rides in the truck. Stephen was predeceased by his grandparents, Henry and Nestora Martinez of Milliken, his parents, Stephen G. and Henrietta Martinez of Denver, three sisters, Kaye Martinez, Berline Duran and Mattie Trujillo, and a brother, Henry Martinez. He is also predeceased by a grandson, Stephen Eric; and a great grandson, Cruzito. Stephen is survived by his children, Anna Kaye Hernandez (Mike), Kristi Lansing (Kirk), Marty Martinez (Amy), Andy Salas, Lori Martinez (Richard), and Eric Martinez. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael, Benjamin, Joey, Nicholas, Marty Jr., Sabrina, Noah, Tommy, Isaiah, Jesse, Marissa, Kaleb, Stephen, Alonzo and 19 great grandchildren. Stephen is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Fresquez (Raymond), Becky Lopez (Gus), Beverly Cortez (Leroy), Nene Martinez, Peggy Martinez, and brothers George (Bonnie) Martinez, and Danny Martinez. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Stephen had a very important fishing date at the Golden Pond with Jesus that couldn’t wait. We can only imagine what stories he’s going to be telling about the one that got away… Services: Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 West Olive Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524 Saturday, January 21, 2023 Viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Reception will follow In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations please be made to help with funeral arrangements to the following link. https://www.empathy-funding.com/26/3129/Martinez

Tributes

Stephen Martinez

September 25, 1946 - January 8, 2023