Manuel Velásquez

January 16, 1938 – June 11, 2018

Manuel Velásquez, beloved father, brother, grandfather and uncle, passed away at his home in Berthoud, Colo., surrounded by the profound love, care and protection of his two sons, Manuel Jr. and Anthony.

Manuel Velásquez

Born in Johnstown, Colo., to Luis and Antonia Velásquez, he was raised in the Loveland/Ft. Collins area. In 1967 he met and fell in love with Joanne Sagert. They were married in Greeley on Feb. 13, 1970. In 1988 they moved to Missouri where they were both employed until their retirement in 2001. After moving back to Denver, Colo., for six years, they moved permanently to Berthoud, Colo., to be closer to Manuel’s older sister.   Joanne died peacefully at home in Berthoud in 2007.

Revered as an unsung hero by his family and closest friends, Manuel was a kind, humble, compassionate and intelligent man. He loved to read the Smithsonian Magazine and a favorite pastime was to play chess with his sons. He shared a special love of music, especially country music and traditional Mexican songs. He would often have his niece, Dr. Gloria L. Velásquez, serenade him with her guitar, requesting she create her own bilingual renditions of songs such as “All I Have to Dream,” by the Everly Brothers.

Manuel is survived by his two sons, Manuel Jr. and Anthony Velásquez, his step-daughter Brenda Deherrera from Denver, his brother Louie Velasquez Jr. from Loveland, and five grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Antonia Velásquez; his sisters, Agnes Gonzalez and Carolina Vargas; and his older brothers, Juan and Daniel Velásquez.

Graveside services will be provided by Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home on Thursday, June 14, 10 a.m., at the Berthoud cemetery.