January 28, 1931 - January 29, 2022
Just hours after celebrating his 91st birthday surrounded by family, Felipe left this world and was greeted with open arms by his lovely bride of 57 years, Mary, his amazing son, Phillip, along with his parents, siblings, and many friends and relatives.
Felipe was born in Reedley, CA to Margarito (Lopez) and Irene (Garcia) Marmolejo. He grew up at a ranch near Bear Mountain, where many adventures took place. He fell in love with the girl next door, Mary Valenzuela. They courted in the vineyards near Arvin until he enlisted in the army, with a promise of marriage when he returned.
He was scheduled to go to Korea. However, New York was too big to see in just a few days. While having way too much fun with his buddies, he missed his ship, and was instead sent on the next ship to Stuttgart, Germany. He served from 1952 - 1954 where he guarded the remnants of WWII artillery.
Upon Felipe’s return, he married his sweetheart, started a family, and moved to Bakersfield. He worked at Pacific Southern Foundry for over 25 years. He started by pushing a broom and in time became an extremely talented welder.
Felipe laid a strong foundation and was the pillar of our family who modeled loyalty, steadiness, unconditional love, and pride for his roots. He was truly one-of-a-kind. Felipe was an avid storyteller. His endless stories gave us a detailed glimpse into his long life full of many adventures which usually ended with all of us laughing, including Felipe. These stories told us of a life of a young boy who grew up with dirt floors, to a young man working in the fields, to a hardworking husband and father who dedicated his life to the simple pleasure of providing for his family. He was always there when anyone needed him. He loved playing poker and he always had the winning hand.
He is survived by his children, Teri (Paul) Sisemore, Mary (Raul) Castaneda, Joe (Elena) Marmolejo, and daughter-in-law Cynthia Marmolejo; his sister Esther (Johnny) Rivera, his brother Ruben (Lee) Marmolejo, and many godchildren. He also leaves behind his 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and adored.
Felipe lived a life filled with LOVE, FAMILY, and HUMOR. We have all received and learned much from him and will forever be grateful. He was and always will be the great, strong warrior of our family.
We truly appreciate Hoffmann Hospice. We thank Debbie, Melissa, and Stephanie for their tender care and heartfelt love they gave us all.
A rosary will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in the chapel on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Mass will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM and followed by a gravesite service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
