It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, uncle, brother, and friend, Mario Valenzuela. Mario passed away peacefully in his home on October 11th around 3:00 a.m. Mario Valenzuela was born in 1956 in Chihuahua, Mexico to Concepción Molina and Felipé Valenzuela. From a young age he worked selling gum, shining shoes, and making flautas to help support his family — a work ethic that would shape his entire life. That same work ethic was matched only by his deep love for his family. In 1973, Mario came to the United States and began working as a baker at The Brown Palace Hotel in Denver. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Nancy Romero. Together they married, raised two children, Joseph and Samantha, and filled their lives with endless adventures. Mario cherished his family above all else and made countless sacrifices to ensure they were happy, healthy, and safe. Mario loved to travel and made sure to take his family everywhere, often returning to Mexico to visit loved ones. He was an incredibly hard-working man with a generous spirit, a joyful heart, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. He is preceded in death by his parents, Concepción and Felipé, and by his siblings Vicente, Felipé, Lauro, Armando, and Marcos. He is survived by his siblings Adriana, Socorro, Soledad, Evaristo, Miguel, Arturo, and Juan; his wife Nancy; his children Joseph and Samantha; his son-in-law Garrison; his dog Leela; and his grand-dog Mia. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who adored their Tío Mario. His passing leaves us with immeasurable sadness and grief. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this time. We invite all who knew Mario to join us, share your stories, and help keep his memory alive through the hearts of those he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church (7530 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) on Friday, October 24th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. We ask that everyone wear Mexican clothing or colors to honor our dad.

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Con el corazón hecho pedazos anunciamos el fallecimiento de nuestro querido padre, esposo, tío, hermano y amigo, Mario Valenzuela. Mario falleció tranquilamente en su casa el día 11 de octubre alrededor de las 3:00 de la mañana. Mario nació en 1956 en Chihuahua, México, hijo de Concepción Molina y Felipé Valenzuela. Desde muy chico trabajó vendiendo chicle, boleando zapatos y haciendo flautas para ayudar a su familia — una ética de trabajo que lo marcó para toda la vida. Esa misma dedicación siempre fue acompañada por el gran amor que le tenía a su familia. En 1973 vino a los Estados Unidos y empezó a trabajar como panadero en el Hotel Brown Palace en Denver. Al poco tiempo conoció al amor de su vida, Nancy Romero. Se casaron, tuvieron dos hijos — Joseph y Samantha — y juntos se aventaron un sinfín de aventuras. Mario amaba a su familia sobre todas las cosas y siempre hizo sacrificios para que estuvieran bien, sanos y seguros. A Mario le encantaba viajar y se llevaba a su familia a todas partes, regresando seguido a México para visitar a los suyos. Fue un hombre trabajador como pocos, de corazón generoso, alegre, y con una entrega total a la gente que amaba. Le anteceden en muerte sus padres, Concepción y Felipé, y sus hermanos Vicente, Felipé, Lauro, Armando y Marcos. Le sobreviven sus hermanos Adriana, Socorro, Soledad, Evaristo, Miguel, Arturo y Juan; su esposa Nancy; sus hijos Joseph y Samantha; su yerno Garrison; su perrita Leela; y su nieta perruna Mia. También le sobreviven muchos sobrinos y sobrinas que adoraban a su Tío Mario. Su partida nos deja con una tristeza y dolor inmensos. Agradecemos de corazón todas las muestras de cariño y apoyo que hemos recibido. Invitamos a quienes conocieron a Mario a compartir sus recuerdos y sus historias para que, a través de nosotros, su memoria siga viva. La Celebración de Vida será en la iglesia Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church (7530 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) el viernes 24 de octubre a las 11:00 de la mañana, seguida por una recepción. Pedimos que asistan con ropa o colores mexicanos en honor a nuestro papá.