d. October 21, 2023

Fritz Vialpando, Jr. 80, born 5/21/1943 in Greeley, CO. Fritz, a resident of Questa, New Mexico for more than 53 years, passed away peacefully in his home on October 21, 2023.

He is preceded in death by his sons Fritz Vialpando III, and Veto Vialpando Sr.; grandchildren Timothy Vialpando and Veronica Vialpando; parents Elva and Fritz (Frutoso) Vialpando Sr.; sister Marcella Cisneros; nephew Gilbert Cisneros; niece Madalena Pacheco; father-in-law Philip Trujillo Sr.; mother-in-law Martha Trujillo; and brother-in-law Philip Trujillo Jr.

Fritz is survived by his wife of 61 years Irene Vialpando, daughter Denise Vialpando (Dennis), grandchildren Veto Vialpando Jr. (Amy), Juan Cisneros (Ayla), Jose Vialpando, Antonio Vialpando, Cassandra Mecham, Desiree Mecham, and Marcos Mecham; sisters Lydia Rodriguez (Ruben), Dorothy Wright (Bob), Gloria Vialpando, and brothers Richard Vialpando (Florene), and John Vialpando (Rose); sister-in-law Lorene Martinez; uncle Marcelo Vialpando Sr.; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Fritz was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, godfather, and friend. He was a hardworking, loving man who loved working with his hands and putting time into his hobbies. He was a great mechanic and enjoyed mud bogging and working on trucks and cars in his spare time. Fritz worked at the Molycorp Mine for 23 years and grew great friendships with his fellow miners. Fritz loved fishing and took up painting as a hobby later in life. He will be truly missed by so many people and will be remembered for his quiet antics and quick smile.

Family viewing will be held on Thursday October 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm at DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. Rosary will follow on October 26, 2023 at 6pm at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa, NM. Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday Oct 27, 2023 at 10am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa, NM with burial to follow at El Pueblito Cemetery in Questa, NM.