Ildefonso Guzman Marmolejo, 76, of San Miguel, New Mexico, passed away on April 1, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center.

Born in Camargo, Mexico, to Julio Marmolejo and Natividad Guzman Marmolejo, Ildefonso built a life rooted in service, family, and community. He dedicated 22 years as a sergeant with the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, earning the respect of colleagues and the community he proudly served. After being in law enforcement, he continued giving back as a security guard at Gadsden High School, where his presence and care for others left a lasting impression.

Ildefonso was a man known for his kindness, strength, and unwavering willingness to help others. He was deeply respected and genuinely cared about people, always offering guidance, support, and a helping hand to those around him. He was not only a devoted father to his own children but also the best dad to many kids who weren't his, always stepping in to guide, support, and encourage them as if they were his own. Coaching was one of his greatest passions, and he devoted countless hours to mentoring neighborhood children while taking special pride in coaching his daughters and granddaughters.

Affectionately known as "Big Al," he had a warm sense of humor and a playful spirit that brought joy to everyone he met. A loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, he enjoyed cheering on his team and sharing those moments with his family. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured his family and the time spent together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Julio Marmolejo and Natividad Guzman Marmolejo; his brother, Pedro Marmolejo; and his sister, Teodosa Soto.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marta Marmolejo; his daughters, Diana Marmolejo; Ana Lisa Marmolejo; Monica Marmolejo (Luis Martinez),and the loves of his life, Anahi Marmolejo (Miguel Arrellano)and Allina Marmolejo, Juno and Arya Marmolejo-Martinez; as well as his sisters, Petra Flores, Juana Trujillo, Cecilia Guerrero, and Lourdes Esparza; as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm, at San Miguel Catholic Church, 19217 NM-28. A prayer vigil will follow at 7pm.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 10:00 am, with the Rite of Christian Burial and interment to follow at San Miguel Cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers will be Luis Martinez, Matthias Sanchez, Javier Sanchez, Miguel Arrellano, Rene Flores, and Isidro Urbina.

Ildefonso leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by his family, who will carry on his legacy and honor the values he lived by every day. He will also be remembered for the lives he touched, the guidance he gave, and the love he shared so freely.

We lost a father with a heart of gold, and how much we miss him could never be told. He raised us with love and helped us along, and if we follow his footsteps, we'll never go wrong