A life well lived in the Wet Mountain Valley. Dr. Luis Marquez, 81 years old, Air Force Veteran of Westcliffe, retired Chiropractor, passed away at Parkview Hospital in Pueblo on April 27, 2026.
He was born in Arizona to Manuel and Susana Marquez. He shared 20 years of marriage with Kathy Marquez. He was later married to Linda Thrall. “Doc” Luis owned the Sangre de Cristo Wellness Center for 27 years and had his Chiropractic practice for 42 years. He was a weekly Thursday golfer at Elmwood in Pueblo, played handball twice a week at Colorado Springs YMCA, and frequented Altitude Fitness three mornings a week with “the early morning swim club.”
Over the years, he owned the Marquez family business of Anita’s Tortilla Factory in San Bernardino, CA, the Grandview Tennis Club in Devore, CA, and his own chiropractic business for 42 years.
He taught tennis, handball, and golf, and ran a kids’ summer golf program in St. Andrew’s in Westcliffe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Susana Marquez, brother Manuel Marquez II, and sister Maria Elena MacDonald.
He is survived by his sister Aurora Marquez, his sister Frances Roache, his ex-wife Kathleen Marquez, his son Luis Marquez, his wife Sarah Strader-Marquez, his daughter Jeanette Pena and husband Homero Pena, his grandson Christien Pena and fiancée Reagan Wheeler, his grandson Sean Pena and wife Taylor Dawn, with great-grandchildren Ryder Luis and Ricki Ann, ex-wife Linda Thrall and many dear nephews and nieces.
A public full Military Honors burial will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, 11 a.m. at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs.
A local memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 312 S. Third St. in Westcliffe on Tuesday, June 23 at 2 p.m.
As “Doc” loved tasting others’ food creations and a good buffet, we will honor him as we share in a potluck. Please bring a side dish to share. Main dish, drinks, and desserts provided.
For past patients having questions regarding patient files, daughter Jeanette Pena, who is also a chiropractor, has assumed “Doc’s” practice and is working here in town. Please call 909-578-8597 for information.
Donations to help family with medical and funeral expenses can be sent to Jeanette Pena at Kirkpatrick Bank or checks to Jeanette Pena, 105 E. Main Street, Silver Cliff, CO 81252.
