Eugene “Gene” Madrigal Obituary

Description: Eugene “Gene” Madrigal Obituary...Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Eugene “Gene” Madrigal

Oct 6, 1946 Jul 23, 2026

Obituary

Eugene “Gene” Madrigal of Denver, Colorado, peacefully entered into rest on July 23, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. Gene was born on October 6, 1946, in La Junta, Colorado, to Tony Madrigal and Hortensia Vasquez. He was 79 years of age. Gene and his two sisters, Rita and Rosalie, grew up in Cheraw with their grandparents, Abundio and Faustina Vasquez. As the first Vasquez grandchild, he was lovingly known as “Gene” by all who knew him. As the big brother, Gene often walked his sisters to their grandparents’ home after school. He loved sketching detailed pictures of airplanes, Model T cars, and animals, showing a natural artistic talent from a young age. He also enjoyed his paper route, delivering the local newspaper to residents of Cheraw. In the winter, when Cheraw Lake froze, he played ice hockey with friends using long sticks and cans; in the summer, he liked finding rocks to skim across the water.

The small town of Cheraw was also home to a Catholic church where Gene served as an altar server for many years alongside his best friend, Robert Tabares. Gene attended Cheraw School from first through twelfth grade. During high school he played saxophone in the Cheraw band, sang in a duet with a classmate at school events, and participated in basketball, football, and track. He especially excelled in track and, as a senior, was voted class president.

After graduating from Cheraw High School in 1965, Gene enlisted in the United States Army, serving from October 1965 through November 1968. At the rank was Pvt. E-1. He served in the 101st Airborne Division. He trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, and treasured his experiences as a paratrooper. Gene served in South Korea for more than a year and also served as a member of the Military Police. His father, Tony, also served in the U.S. Army and became a U.S. citizen on September 17, 1943, in Cairo, Egypt. Following his military service, Gene settled in Denver, where he worked a variety of jobs, including as a security guard for several companies. He later married and had two children, Vito and Nelly. Gene loved being a father and always affectionately referred to his daughter as “his little girl.” He enjoyed watching westerns on television. Gene resided at South Valley Nursing Facility in Denver from 2014 until the time of his passing. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Tony Madrigal and his beloved grandparents Abundio and Faustina Vasquez and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his mother Hortensia Rodriguez of Ordway, CO., his family (Carmen, Vito, and Nelly), his brothers and sisters, Rita (Alan) Hankus of Elizabeth, CO., Rosalie (Norb) Hankus, also of Elizabeth, CO. Connie (Robert) Wilson of Englewood, CO., Joe Rodriguez of Ordway, CO., Irene Rodriguez of Boulder, CO, Sandra (Paul) Sandoval of Aurora, CO., Mario Rodriguez of Ordway, CO., Mercedes (Brendan) Schwall of Highlands Ranch, CO. and Anthony Madrigal of La Junta, CO.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026, a Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in La Junta, Colorado. A Committal Service will be held at Cheraw Cemetery in Cheraw, Colorado.

Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Upcoming Events

Service

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

9:30 AM

Our Lady of Guadalupe St. Patrick's Parish

3rd St, La Junta, CO 81050

A Rosary will be held followed by a Memorial Mass

Cemetery Details

East Holbrook Mennonite Cemetery

327272 County Rd 33 , Cheraw, CO 81050

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