Fresquez, Ernie

Ernie Fresquez passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017. Ernie was born November 7, 1927 to Catalina and Manuel Fresquez on a beautiful farm on the Berendo River near Roswell, NM. He was the sixth of eight children: Elfides married to Tony Gallegos (4 boys); Corine married to John Gaona (3 boys); Willie married to Blanche; Elia married to Ron Slater; Leo married to Gerry; Ernie married to Lena Jo; Sam; and, May Lou married to Joseph Valdez (2 girls, 1 boy)

Growing up close by the Roswell Country Club enabled all the boys to work as caddies and so began Ernie’s love of the game of golf. He attended Roswell High School where he lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball. After graduation, he joined the Navy, served one year and nine months as a radio man. When he returned, he attended UNM for a short time after which he worked at Bell Labs.

The family moved to Albuquerque in 1947, where he started working at the telephone company where he met his wife Lena Jo of over thirty years. Both retired after some thirty years. He continued pursuing his love of golf winning countless tournaments. He won the 1986 Sun Country Senior Amateur Men’s Golf Championship and also played Lee Trevino and beat him on the same course. He and his brother Sam teamed together to win many tournaments and were a formidable twosome. When the Olympics held their first Senior Games in St. Louis, he won the gold medal in his age group!

Ernie loved picnics in the Sandia mountains with family, he always made the afternoons fun with his card games and stories. After he lost his wife, Ernie lived alone. He showed great kindness and love, supporting his sister Elia after losing her husband. He was particularly close to his niece Debbie and Craig and his nephew Joey and Barbara as they all spoiled him with weekend meals. He always mentioned his niece Montserrat and Rick never forgetting greeting cards.

While his mother lived, he was completely devoted to his mother Catalina. And because he was so caring to his brothers and sisters, his sister Elia named him The Godfather, his nephew Phillip called him The Quiet Man. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet kindness, quiet gentleness and so much love of family. He can never be replaced and his memory will live on forever.

Rosary and Mass for Ernest Fresquez will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. The Rosary will begin at 9:15 a.m. followed by his eulogy with a Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be scheduled at a later date. To read Ernie’s complete obituary, please visit our online guestbook at www.FrenchFunerals.com