Martin was the youngest of 10 children born to John and Mary Ortega on November 15, 1938 in Lafayette, Colorado. From his beginning Martin was full of spirit, adventure and curiosity which formulated into a wonderful life he created for himself and his own family.
After graduating from Lafayette High School, Martin enlisted into the United States Army and to further his adventurous spirit, he became a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. His assignment took him to Germany where he began his greater appreciation for travel, culture and history. Three years later, and after many miles abroad, he returned to his hometown of Lafayette.
He was a master carpenter by trade, a welder, craftsman and proud unionist. He never sat idle, always analyzing the engineering behind things and thinking of ways to modify and improve his surroundings.
Martin was an incredible man with a great work ethic. At the age of 24 he married Pearl, the love of his life, and two years later he purchased a lot and built their family home that Pearl resides in today. Through Martin’s determination and grit, he renovated the home as their family grew. Providing for his family of six was always his priority. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather.
His fortitude in work was matched by his love for the great outdoors. Martin was an avid angler and hunter. His passion led to fishing trips from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and across the states from west to east coasts. He hunted for elk, deer, antelope, and turkey in Colorado and Wyoming. The freezer was never bare and with his big garden, Pearl became a chef that not only fed their family but anyone who walked through the front door. Martin and Pearl provided a happy home, a warm home and a home to anyone that needed one.
Martin has left a remarkable impression in this world but no greater than on his family. The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love he left behind; his loving wife Pearl, his children, Judith (Mark Teal), Jill, Nicholas, Jodi (Lance Stewart), and his grandchildren, Hannah, Danielle, Emily and Matthew. He is now reunited with his precious grandsons, Mark Randall and John Martin Teal.
A visitation & rosary prayers for Martin will be held, Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at, 715 Cabrini Drive, Lafayette, Colorado. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. Martin will be laid to rest at Lafayette Cemetery located at, 111 East Baseline Road, Lafayette, Colorado. A reception will follow the graveside interment service at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Nuoci Hall.
Services in care of Howe Mortuary of Longmont, Colorado.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his loving family at www.howemortuary.com
