Julian Cortez

February 19, 1928 - May 9, 2022

Julian Cortez, age 94 entered the gates of Heaven on May 9, 2022. He is survived by his sister, Ida Avila; children, Michelle (Chuck) Smead, Mike (Rose) Zabalveitia, Renay (Jerry) Perko, Ron (Sue) Zabalveitia, and Debbie (Donnie) DeYoung; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He is preceded in death by the love of his life for 39 years, Viola Martinez Cortez; his parents; 5 sisters; and 4 brothers. He will always be remembered for having a kind heart and willingness to help others. He was raised in Gardner, Colorado where he learned many lessons in life. His service to US Army includes being a Para-Jumper as well as serving in the Korean Conflict. He retired from Rock Wool and then worked as a handy man where he was a master of many trades. He was also the family top chef, and his green chili would have won any chili cookoff. He loved to fish and hunt. His greatest love was music and dancing, which is where he met his wife, Viola. Kudos to our sister, Renay whom he called “Mama Renay”, and nephew, Dan Martinez. Special thanks to the Pueblo Regent staff, where he resided for the past few years. A Rosary will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 10am, with Mass to follow at 11am both at Holy Family Catholic Church. Inurnment and Military honors, Roselawn Cemetery.