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BORN
1924
DIED
2020
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Michael Herrera Obituary
Feb. 10,1924 - Jan. 30, 2020
He was a Sergeant and a member of the Air Force of the United States of America and honorably discharged in 1946. While in the service, he was the armed forces amateur boxing champion. He attended the University of Denver graduating with a bachelors, masters, and law degrees. He started his career working full time for the City and County of Denver in the assessor's office. He was a broadcaster for Colorado's first Spanish-speaking radio station, KFSC-AM. He started his own businesses in Denver including La Fiesta Restaurant, El Papa Gallo Night Club, AAA Tax and Business Service along with Casa Herrera grocery store and La Botella liquor store. He enjoyed laughter and enjoyed the sport of boxing. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and mentor. He leaves behind a rich legacy of personal and professional accomplishments but none greater than the love for his family.
Michael is survived by his Children; Carol Ann Knapp (Roger), Robert Herrera (Marilyn), Richard Herrera, Ronald Herrera and Deborah Ornelas (Manuel). Fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Sister, Phyllis Castillo and friend, Peggy Hall. Michael is preceded in death by his son, Randolph.
Public visitation will be held on Wed., Feb. 12 from 7-8pm at Olinger Crown Hill. Funeral Mass will be held at Mother of God Catholic Church on Thurs., Feb. 13 at 10am with Rosary Service to start a 9:30am. 475 Logan St., Denver, 80203. Committal Service to follow at Ft. Logan National Cemetery 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, 80236 at 11:30am Stg Area "B".
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Herrera
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
6 Entries
Lupe, Jim
February 13, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim &
February 13, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care, the Vargas Family.
Ronald Herrera
February 12, 2020
I would like to add somethings about my Dad. He was married to his wife Flora for over 63 years. Dad liked cold beer and hot green chile. He gave me my first sip of beer that tasted horrible and made my eyes water! When we would go out to eat either something casual like Las Delicias or some fancy steak house, Dad would bring his own fresh jalapeño to nosh on and would make a small pile of salt to dip his hot jalapeño.
Dad and his friend Levi Biel both were the first Latinos to graduate from the University of Denver. It was a long hard struggle for Dad to work at the pharmacy and attend classes. Even though racism still exits today Michael broke many barriers including being the first Latino with Levi two graduate from DU, starting the first spanish speaking radio station with Paco Sanchez and along with his wife Flora, started La Fiesta night club and Mom started the lunch hour. People came from across the state to visit the only night club that featured live bands directed toward the Latino community.
Dad also had a passion for cars. I remember dad always driving a cool car. One of my favorites was his pale-green Impala with the flat fin rear-tail lights. Dad would take us to Greeley to go visit his parents. Dad would smoke his Camel cigarettes while he drove us and sometimes the hot ashes from the cigarette would blow and kiss our arm. Dad loved cars so much that he would buy his children a car when they graduated high school. Dad bought Robert a fast yellow Mustang and a Corvette. Dad bought Richard two sweet Impalas, Dad brought me a Camaro and a Corvette. Dad bought Randy a sweet Z-28 Camarillo, and Dad bought Debbie an Oldsmobile and an El Camino. Dad loved El Caminos and I think that was his favorite of all because he seemed to acquire a fleet of El Caminos. He also bought me an El Camino too! Just wanted to share some of the good memories I have. Thank you Dad for all your love and for all your accomplishments that have paved the way for many and I will see you when I see you!
With lots of love,
Your son Ron
PS I loved it when you called me son!
Castillo's
February 9, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Memorial Events
for Michael Herrera
Feb
12
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
Funeral services provided by:
Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
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