Mike Leo Marquez

Mike Leo Marquez, 34, was born on March 21st, 1990, to Leo and Nadine Marquez in Santa Fe, NM.

Mike is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Delia and Florencio Mike (Lefty) Marquez, maternal grandparents Barbara and Luis Cordova, great-grandparents Leocadia and Jose Ortiz, Poinciana and Juan Marquez, Dave and Mary Lucero, uncle, Arthur Marquez, cousin, Brandie Rose Marquez, great aunts, Mabel Tavasci, Erlinda Sanchez, Virginia Ortiz, Rosina Medrano, and Angie Barea, great uncles, Benny Ortiz, Joe Medrano, Robert Ortiz, Rudy Ortiz, and many other relatives and friends. 

He is survived by his parents, Leo Marquez and wife Nadine, children, Aaliyah Marquez, Diandra Marquez, and Jenessa Marquez, fiancee, Shalynn Herrera, brother, Alex Marquez and fiancee Adrianna, nephew, Mason Marquez, and Harmony, mother in law Loretta Herrera, uncle Frank Marquez and wife Beth, aunt Irene Mueller and husband Anthony, uncle Luis Cordova and wife Jessica, aunt Rosa Montoya and husband Henry, great uncles Ramon Ortiz, Tony Barela, John Sanchez, and George Tavasci, great aunts, Margaret Zamora, Susan Ortiz, Helen Ortiz, Josie Ortiz, and Mary Ortiz, and numerous other relatives and friends. 

Mike was a loving and devoted man/father to his fiancé Shalynn Herrera of over 18 years, and their three beautiful daughters Aaliyah, Diandra and Jenessa Marquez. Mike and Shalynn met in the summer of 2006, and they began their unconditional and eternal love story and grew up together. By God’s grace, they created their beautiful family together. Mike and Shalynn spent more than half of their lives together. Mike always prioritized Shalynn and their daughters and made sure all 4 of “his girls” were well taken care of. Mike’s girls were his entire world, and he never failed to show them every day how loved they were and always worked hard to give them everything possible.

Mike adored his white Chevy S-10 that was gifted to him by his beloved great-grandfather David Lucero when Mike was only 11. Mike couldn’t wait to be one of age and drive his truck with Shalynn everywhere. He always had his truck squeaky clean, decked out with 13’ or 17’ daytons and his system blaring his favorite music. 

Mike worked in the labor/engineering industry for more than half of his life. His love for building/fixing and learning came from his father Leo. Mike and Leo shared a love for hunting, fishing, camping, grilling and anything nature. They both enjoyed watching tv shows together and often checked in to see what part of the show they were on. Mike loved his mother Nadine and always called her to check on her and told her he loved her. He always made sure she knew how much he needed her even if it was for the most minimal reason. Mike’s baby brother Alex was born when Mike was 8 years old. Mike adored Alex at first sight and was never afraid of bottle feeding or diaper changes. He loved being a big brother and made sure Alex knew that he was the oldest even though Alex passed him in height years ago. Mike loved his mother-in-law Loretta Herrera and always took care of her needs without hesitation. He made sure her car was always washed and well maintained. He always included her in everything, and Mike and Loretta always made sure to tell Shalynn when to behave. Mike and his favorite cousin Arthur Marquez Jr. grew up as brothers. They are only 9 months apart and have been attached since the crib. They never wanted to be apart and spent most of their time playing video games or wrestling.

Mike was truly one of a kind. His smile was perfect and infectious. His laugh was contagious, and he loved to pick on all of his loved ones at any given moment. His bear hugs made life feel light. Mike’s stubbornness always drove Shay and the girls crazy. Mike was never afraid to try something new and was always the one ready for a challenge. Mike was beyond adventurous and a short while after working as manager for the E14 Ohkay Owingeh Airport in 2019, he called his girls and Loretta at home to tell them to rush outside because he was flying over our home in Espanola, NM! It was an amazing sight to see. He was fearless! He made friends effortlessly, and became friends with a pilot who helped him start his flight log. He was a free spirit and was never afraid to try something new. He loved to draw and would spend hours drawing and sketching. He loved his nature shows and always had the tv on The History Channel, or You-tube, or his favorite shows. Mike was always willing to learn something new. He made it a point to share his knowledge and teach his girls, family or friends. He enjoyed being “The Boss” and made sure we all knew it. There was never a second thought if anyone needed his help. If he didn’t know how to solve the problem, which was rare, he researched all he could to learn and get the job done. Mike loved to walk his dog Rosco who tragically passed away in May. Rosco was Mike’s pride and joy, and he was devastated after losing him. Mike had numerous cousins that he loved as his siblings. Arthur Jr., Brandie, Justina, Jonathan, Jerome, Cheyenne, Ronnie, Fabian, Crystal, Louis, Christine, Manny and many more. Mike was a loving partner, father, son, brother, and friend.

Mike was called home to our Lord Jesus Christ unexpectedly on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Mike’s departure comes as a complete shock and will leave a massive void that will be demanded to be felt. His love, presence, generosity, and humility will forever be greatly missed and yearned for.

Bubba, we will forever yearn to be by your side again and with our faith in God, we trust Him to reunite us in His glorious Kingdom. We love you eternally. – Your Boogie, Awiyah Badia, Debsteroonie, and Buhnessies.

A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:30 am followed by a mass of Christian Burial at Cristo Rey Church in Santa Fe, NM. A celebration of life for Mike is pending at this time and will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

Rivera Family Funeral Home in Espanola, New Mexico, thanks the family of Mike Marquez for their trust at this time. www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com (505)753-2288