Manuel Appelzollar Martinez

1928 - 2026

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, MANUEL APPELZOLLAR MARTINEZ, SR. passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026.  He passed away surrounded by his loving family. 

Our dad was born to Pablo and Lenore Martinez on October 29,1928.  He was born on the family farm in Chamberino, New Mexico. He joined his siblings who included Matilde Medina, Moises Martinez, Magdalena Ramirez, Minerva Martinez, Micaela Sandoval, and Maximo (6 days old), all of whom preceded him in death. Dad was so proud of his part German heritage with the Appelzoller name.

Manuel attended the local elementary school system.  He went to Valley High School, now known as Gadsden High School.  He left school after the 11th grade to join the U.S. Army at the age of 17.  Our dad trained as a paratrooper/glider and was a member of the famed 82nd Airborne Division.  

After an honorable discharge from the service, he returned home to marry Lily, his surviving wife of 71 years.  His first job was with the Weaver Scope Company of El Paso, Texas.  He then took a position at White Sands Missile Range with the guard force and remained at WSMR for the next 28 years.  Upon retirement from WSMR, Manuel helped work on the family farm in Chamberino.  He farmed well into his 80’s.  Manuel was an avid reader that included many different genres. He enjoyed all sports, especially the New York Yankees.  He enjoyed deer hunting excursions through the years with family and friends.  

Manuel loved driving his family to California to visit the Enriquez family in the family pickup with camper shell. Later in life, he traveled to many parts of the country including Hawaii, Chicago, Florida and Las Vegas (several times).  A trip he always remembered was to Vancouver, British Columbia to watch his nephew/Godson Sal Jr. play golf.  

He had a long, wonderful journey of 97 years.  We that survive him, include his wife Lily, sons Manuel A, Martinez Jr., Maximo Martinez (Blanca), Mario Martinez, daughters Martha Martinez, Monica Martinez, granddaughter Nicole Torres, grandsons Max and Marcos (Sky) and great-grandchildren Ezra and Amryn.  We are proud to have been family and will hold him in our hearts until we meet again.  

A friend of our dad (a horse farrier) who shoed his horses, perhaps said it best when he said, “Tu papa era un bien hombre y muy honesto.”

A prayer vigil will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Our Lady of Refuge Mission Catholic Church, 1320 Mercantil Avenue, La Union, NM. 88021.  Visitation will begin at 8:30 AM. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 9:30 AM.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM.  Burial to follow at the La Union Cemetery.  Military honor will be accorded by the New Mexico Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment.

Serving as casket bearers will be Mario Martinez, Marcos Martinez, Max Martinez, Sal Enriquez Jr., Bernadino Martinez, and Richard Ramirez. Honorary bearers: Manny Martinez Jr., Nicole Torres, Max Martinez, Bobby Fresquez, Mario Telles, and Manny Rios.  

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com