Ernest Joe Rael

Jose Ernesto (Ernest Joe) Rael of Lakewood, Colorado, born on August 16, 1926 in Watervale Colorado to the late Anatasio and Andrea Rael, passed away at the age of 92 on December 16, 2018 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Rael (Martinez); sons, Ernest Rael Jr. and Athan Rael; daughter, Gloria Fuentes (Rael); grandchildren, Anthony Rael, Carla Maniscalco (Rael), Phyllis Felix (Rael) Paul Rael, Charlene Estrada (Fuentes), Roman Fuentes and Lisa Mahoney (Rael); 14 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; as well as sister, Rosie Ward and numerous nieces and nephews. Ernest was preceded in death by his son, Gilbert Rael; brother, Hildo Rael; sisters, Helen Wratislaw, Eva Cordova and Anna Rael . Ernest moved to Denver at the age of 16 from Trinchera Colorado and enlisted in the US Army as an Infantry rifleman with the 184th Infantry Regiment. He was injured in Okinawa Japan during World War II and was honorably discharged with a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Good Conduct ribbon. He then returned to his wife Phyllis in Denver to begin their family. Ernest retired with the Concrete Masons Union with over 50 years of distinguished service. In earlier years Ernest enjoyed spending time on his boat fishing at Lake Saratoga in Wyoming with Phyllis and his family, he loved watching the Broncos, Nuggets and Rockies. Ernest was a man of very few words, but was very loving, caring and giving to everyone he met. He was an excellent caregiver to his wife Phyllis and showed tremendous strength during his chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer. Friends and family can pay their respects at the Viewing (5-6pm) and Rosary (6-7pm) on Wednesday, December 26th at Romero Family Funeral Home, 1805 S. Sheridan Ave, Lakewood as well as have an opportunity to speak and share any fond memories of Ernest after the rosary. A Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday, December 27th 11:00am at Romero Family Funeral Home, 1805 S. Sheridan Ave, Lakewood with internment immediately following at 1:15pm at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. Followed by a reception from 2:00-5:00pm at the VFW Post 9644, 2680 W. Hampden Ave. CO. Previous Events Visitation & Rosary DEC 26. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (MT) Romero Family Funeral Home & Ft. Logan Mortuary - Lakewood 1805 S Sheridan Blvd Lakewood, CO 80232 [email protected] Loading map Funeral Service DEC 27. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (MT) Romero Family Funeral Home & Ft. Logan Mortuary - Lakewood 1805 S Sheridan Blvd Lakewood, CO 80232 [email protected] Loading map Reception DEC 27. 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (MT) VFW 2680 W Hampden Ave Englewood, CO 80110 Loading map