Jose Arnaldo Marquez

Jose Arnaldo Marquez, 76, passed away after surgery associated with a brief battle with cancer. Jose was born to Jorge and Celia Marquez in LaGarita, CO, one of thirteen children. Jose was a proud Army Veteran and served three consecutive tours in Vietnam as a Helicopter Crewman. Upon his honorable discharge in 1968, Jose lived in California and worked for Xerox, Inc. before returning to Colorado where he sheared sheep with his brothers, worked construction, and met Marcella Fresques in 1983. Jose helped raise three children, Tom Fresques, Kristie Fresques (Miller), and Michele Fresques (Pryor), and worked for Public Service Company of Colorado at the Cameo Power Plant for over 20 years until he retired in 2012. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and motorcycling throughout his life. Jose was a giving father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered. He is survived by his three children, Tom Fresques of New Castle, CO, Kristie Miller (Steve) of Greeley, CO, and Michele Pryor of Denver, CO; his three grandchildren, Matt (Tiffany) Miller, Katy (Ryan) Daniels, and Abby Pryor; and his six great-grandchildren, Kayden Miller, Brode Miller, Kori Miller, Kenna Daniels, Haddley Daniels, and Molly Jo Daniels. He is also survived by his sister, Liz Smith of Glenrock, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jose was preceded in death by longtime partner, Marcella Fresques; his parents; brothers, Johnny, Dave, Balmer, Dan, Phil, and Bernie; and sisters, Eva, Lucy, Mary Ellen, Plasida and Jane. Honoring Jose’s request, no formal services are planned. However, a short Military Funeral Honors program will be conducted on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Veterans Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO. Services in care of Callahan-Edfast Mortuary.