Nick Eliseo Sanchez Sr.

Nick came into this world during a full solar eclipse and caught a ride out on one as well. He was born on May 19, 1947 in Monte Vista, Colorado to Alfonzo and Ramona (Gallegos) Sanchez. He spent his childhood in Leadville, Colorado and graduated high school in Fruita. Nick enlisted in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He became a Sargent First Class and the recipient of two Purple Hearts, serving in the Airborne, Infantry, and Tanker Units. Nick later married Etta Effinger. He was a resident of the Grand Valley for 40 years and was a heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his sons.

Nick is survived by his sons, Nick E. Sanchez, Jr. and Robert P. Sanchez, both of Grand Junction; brothers, Jim Sanchez of Price, Utah, Frank Sanchez of Fruita, and David Sanchez of Grand Junction; sisters, Rosabell Cordova of Fruita, Levida Jones of Moab, Utah, Evelyn Sanchez of Colorado Springs, Anna Garcia of Clifton, Maxine Sanchez-Garner of Grand Junction, and Joyce Van Blerkom of Moab, Utah; and two grandchildren.

A rosary will take place on Wednesday, August 30 at 7 p.m. at Martin Mortuary. Nick’s memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Thursday, August 31 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service to follow at Veteran’s Cemetery of Western Colorado at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.