Mike Montoya Obituary

Montoya
Mike Montoya
April 20, 1928
May 29, 2023

Mike Montoya, 95, passed away at Penrose hospital on Monday, May 29, 2023 of natural causes. Mike was born in Valdez, Colorado on April 20, 1928. Mike was one of 16 children born to Donaciano and Antonia Montoya. Mike was preceded in death by his loving wife: Tillie, grandson: Ethan, parents: Donaciano and Antonia Montoya, and his siblings. Mike is survived by his children: Michael (Denice), Mark (Mary), Martin, and Monica (Doug), grandchildren: Amanda, Christopher, Megan, and Taylor, and great grandchildren: Eli and Dane.
Mike graduated from Branson High school in 1948. Mike joined the Navy in 1948 and served his country during the Korean Conflict on the USS Maddox DD-731 as a gunner's mate II. He married his wife of 52 years, Tillie, in 1953 and they began their life together in Chicago, Illinois.
Mike was hired by the locomotive division of General Motors in Chicago and began a union apprenticeship as a machinist. Mike retired in 1993 as a civilian, supervising the machine shop at Fort Carson.
Mike was a vibrant, happy and energetic person. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Always up for a good laugh, a dart game or a fast-paced dance. He and Tillie enjoyed traveling with family and friends and in later years with the USS Maddox Association where they connected with his shipmates from Korea.
A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 11th, at 11am at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 N Logan Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 with a reception to follow at the VFW post 101. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.