Erwin James Maldonado

Erwin was born on March 20, 1948, in Walsenburg, Colorado to Fred and Mary Maldonado on a beautiful ranch where he loved running around and roaming with his brothers and cousins. He was drafted to Vietnam at the young age of 18. Afterwards spent his live traveling this beautiful state of Colorado jumping in on various constructions projects, following and working for the mighty railroad, exploring the dusty coalmines and operating a blast furnace that produced steel for the great CF&I of Pueblo.

As a kid growing up in Walsenburg, CO, Erwin would travel with his mother to sell cheese and visit other farms and ranches around theirs. They often visited the Ward’s ranch where he’d run around and tease a little girl with braids, Virginia. Virginia told the family that Erwin would sit up high on a tree, throwing rocks at her and so she would almost always get into a rock fight with him whenever he visited her ranch. Several years later, after Erwin finished his tours in Vietnam, back in Walsenburg, CO, he again met up with Virginia Ward and from that moment on, they were inseparable.

Erwin and Virginia eventually moved to Pueblo, Colorado and together they raised a family there, taking advantage of all the amazing gifts our beautiful state had to offer. Many holiday and weekends were spent barbequing, camping, hiking, fishing and sledding throughout the state. Erwin’s favorite pastime was fishing, he was an extraordinary fisherman and guide, he enjoyed bird watching and viewing the remarkable wildlife roaming and wandering, he appreciated and was so grateful for the freedom and peace the Colorado outdoors provided him. He also had a natural talent for gardening. He was an outstanding gardener with a passion for growing and cultivating the most beautiful flower gardens. He spent the last year of his life planting and nurturing a stunning and gorgeous flower garden that he was very proud of and everyone admired.

Erwin was known for his smile, infectious laughter, his cheerful spirit and his kind and compassionate heart. Everyone that came into contact with Erwin adored him, he had an incredible way of brightening up your day, making you laugh and feel special.

Erwin was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Maldonado, stepdaughter Denise Serrano, father Fred Maldonado and mother Mary Maldonado.

He is survived by his children, Sonya, Nykol, Yvette, Michael and Belen, his grandchildren, Candace, Jose, Tanya, Hilary, Riley, Elyanna, Mya, Michael Jr., Raul and Gabe, brothers Fred Jr., Robert and Ernie, his sisters Freda and Vickie and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

His viewing was held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery and Mortuary. Flowers or donations may be sent to 4595 Balsam St., Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033.