Mike Montoya

Mike Montoya, 95, of Colorado Springs 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 731 as a gunner’s mate 2. 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 South Chicago and began a union apprenticeship as a machinist. Machinery proved to be a great fit for Mike. The machinery trade provided a good life for him and his family. Machinery mandates a person with great math skills, which he prided himself in. He spent many hours helping his children with their math homework, he was especially good at fractions. 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 in later years with the USS Maddox Association where he was reunited with his shipmates from Korea.

Mike also had an amazing talent for art. He would draw and carve sculptures. His true talent was found in the metal carvings of horses and Indians, inspired by the old west. The sculptures he carved were first turned on a metal lathe and then carved by hand, using metal files. He also sculpted an amazing replica of the USS Maddox, the ship he served on during the Korean Conflict.

Dad, there is yet another void in our hearts and lives. We miss and love you very much. Give mom a big hug and kiss for us. Love, Michael, Mark, Martin, and Monica

A Memorial mass 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, 702 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado Springs.