Mike Joe Lopez

Mike Joe Lopez of Espanola, age 85, passed away on May 4, 2022 from complications due to skin cancer and a recent stroke.  Mike was born on September 6, 1936   in Antonito, Colorado to Juan Jose Lopez and Eutilia Blea of Lobatos in Antonito, Colorado.

13 years ago, he was preceded in death by his wife of many years, Orlinda Lopez and 5 years ago by his daughter Geraldine Martinez; his parents Juan and Eutilia Lopez; brothers Juan Lopez, Paul Lopez, Gene Lopez; sisters Sarah Robart,  Antonio and Luisa Martinez (in-laws from Los Pinos); brothers-in-law George and Tony Martinez.

He is survived by sons, Michael Lopez (Diana) and Ricky Lopez (Clarissa). His brother, Alonzo Lopez, sister Jane Cisneros (Thomas). Sisters in law, Dorothy, Maria and Mercedes Lopez, and Gaby Martinez;  brothers in Law, Alberto, Bobby, Leroy (Anna)Martinez and son-in-law David Martinez.  Mike has 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mike joined the US Marines as a teenager and went off to fight in the Korean War.  He married Orlinda Martinez and they raised 3 children.  Mike and Orlinda traveled with their family to Germany for 3 ½ years.  During that time Mike was deployed numerous times leaving his family overseas to Vietnam in support of the Vietnam War.  After his 3 ½ year tour, the family was ordered back to the US.  Mike had orders to return back to Vietnam, while preparing for the next deployment his orders changed and he was ordered for a 3-year hardship tour to Korea without his family.  Mike served as a Captain and Company Commander of the US Army, C Company, 2nd Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.  Mike returned back to New Mexico after his last Korean tour and transferred to active duty in the New Mexico Army National Guard.  Mike became a civilian civil service government employee at the US Pentagon in Washington DC, as a director for a drug enforcement agency serving across the globe while interacting with FBI and CIA agencies. Mike retired with a total military time just over 41 years. 

Mike also served as Commander of the DAV Espanola Valley Chapter No. 22.  Mike was also very active with the Espanola Knights of Columbus Council 3314.

Thank you, Ricky C. Lopez II (grandson) for taking care of your grandfather for the many years and through to the end when he needed lots of assistance.

Thank you, Espanola VA, Dr. Joseph Keel and nurse Xia Christmas, Presbyterian, Dr. Stacy Lambeth and Christus St. Vincent, Dr. David Gallegos for always following through and not treating our father as a number (Doc’s that care).

Thank you, Rivera Funeral Home (Jim Martinez) for being there when we needed you. Thank you, friends and family for all the prayers, hugs, tears, food, and calls. 

Services will be on June 16, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church begining with the praying of the Rosary at 11AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.  Mike will be buried next to his wife Orlinda Lopez on June 16, 2022 at 1:30 pm at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.