Conrad Esparza Sr, age 84, of Greeley, CO, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Brookdale Memory Care in Fort Collins CO. Conrad was born January 19th, 1940 in Greeley, Colorado to Santos and Mercedes Esparza.
He attended a variety of rural schools in Larimer County as well as Greeley schools and at the age of 9 he was already going out to work the farm with his dad. As part of a very large family, there was always work to be done as a laborer to contribute and be supportive. Conrad grew up in and around the Berthoud, Loveland, Johnstown, Kersey and LaSalle areas. While not working the fields, he attended schools moving from school to school based on the needs of the family. All three brothers, Nino, Julio and Conrad were always together enjoying the fruits of being teenagers and working as farm hands. Conrad was always eager to provide for the family working to support where he was needed.
He attempted to follow his older brothers, Nino and Julio, who joined the Marines, but because of his health, he was not accepted. Given the set back and disappointment, he dedicated the rest of his 20s to his immediate family. In his early 20s, he married and began to devote his time and energy to family.
Conrad then settled in LaSalle, Colorado. He enjoyed his career as a mechanic at Millers Feedlots, Weld County and The City of Greeley. He retired September 26th, 2014 at the age of 74 from the City of Greeley. He then enjoyed spending time with his wife, grandkids and great grandkids. He also loved working on his family’s vehicles.
He is survived by his children: Conrad Esparza of Windsor, Colorado; Rodney Esparza of Fort Collins, Colorado; 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; Sisters: Rae Baker, Mary Pisano, and Vicky Esparza of Greeley, Colorado; Ruth Romero of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Betty Pinon of Briggsdale, and Paula Salgado of Lexington, Nebraska; Brothers: Nino Esparza of Redlands, California; Sam Esparza, and Dave Esparza of Greeley, Colorado; and Jesse Esparza of Brighton, Colorado
He was preceded in death by Wife; Mary T. Esparza, died August 10th, 2020; Parents; Santos Esparza died February 1999, and Mercedes Esparza died September 2007; sister, Victoria the 1st, Esparza died June 1935; brothers: Pantaleon the 1st, Esparza died May 1941; John Esparza died March 1977; Simon Esparza died November 1977; Pantaleon Esparza died February 1998; and Julio (Jay) Esparza died December 22, 2022.
Visitation will be Monday, May 6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m., both at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street; Greeley, CO 80634. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2222 23rd Avenue, Greeley, Colorado 80634. Interment will follow the Mass at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634. Reception will follow at the Evans Community Complex, 1100 37th St, Evans Colorado.
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