Ismael Arturo "Izzy" Hernandez Retana, a devoted husband, father, and the world's proudest "Papa," passed away on April 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by hard work, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to his family. Born on August 19, 1964, in Durango, Mexico, to Hector and Sara Hernandez, Ismael was one of twelve children. Growing up amidst the vibrant chaos of five brothers and six beautiful sisters, he forged bonds that remained unbroken by time or distance. Even as he built his life in Brush, Izzy remained deeply connected to his roots, visiting his family in Denver as often as possible to keep those cherished connections strong.
His journey took a pivotal turn in 1984 at the Wagon Wheel in Colorado Springs, where he met Malessa. The two were wed on April 26, 1986, beginning a beautiful four-decade partnership. Together in Colorado, they raised four children—Monica, Kati, Malena, and Ismael—to whom Izzy was the ultimate provider. He took immense pride in "spoiling" his children through his constant support and tireless work ethic. As his family expanded to include sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law, Izzy stepped into his favorite role of all: being a Papa. His 14 grandchildren—Izabella, Noah, Addison, Milo, Shaelynn, Kaleena, Mia, Makenzie, Mateo, Maddix, Abby, Jaxson, Mayleigh, Remi, and Luca—were the true light of his life. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines of their sporting events or simply treasuring their company at home, he lived to adore and spoil his "grandbabies."

Professionally, Izzy was a force of nature and a true jack-of-all-trades. Recognized as one of the best heavy equipment operators in the region, his talents extended far beyond the job site. Without formal training, he became a gifted mechanic, plumber, and landscaper simply through his innate ability to tinker and study a problem until it was solved. His creativity even extended to family celebrations, where he made personalized piñatas for birthday parties, adding a special, handcrafted touch to every milestone.While he was famously quiet and shy when first meeting others, those within his inner circle knew him as a man who loved a good prank and a well-timed joke. He found great joy in his daily routines, from Friday morning breakfasts with friends at Home Plate to playing recreational men's slowpitch softball and spending hours in his garage working on cars. He was also a passionate, vocal fan of the Dallas Cowboys, wearing his silver and blue with pride and meeting the ribbing of rival fans with a trademark grin.

Ismael is now reunited in peace with his mother, Sara Retana Hernandez, his sister, Zoila Hernandez, and his brother, Miguel Hernandez.
His memory will be forever honored by his loving wife, Malessa Hernandez;his four children, Monica (Brian) Talmich, Kati (Gale) Hernandez, Malena (Mark) Dalrymple, and Ismael (Chelsey) Hernandez; his 14 beloved grandchildren:Izabella, Noah, Addison, Milo, Shaelynn, Kaleena, Mia, Makenzie, Mateo, Maddix, Abby, Jaxson, Mayleigh, Remi, and Luca of Brush, Colorado. He also leaves behind his father, Hector Hernandez (Northglenn); as well as his siblings—Hector Saul (Socoro) Hernandez (Colorado Springs), Olga (Javier) Rivas (Wiggins), Gloria (Ramon) Roybal (Thornton), Blanca Gonsalez (Northglenn), Lilia (David) Mentzer (Thornton), Enrique Hernandez (Mexico), Carlos Hernandez (Burlington), Sara Ofelia (Raul) Avila (El Paso, TX), and Jose Hernandez (Denver)—along with a vast network of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will deeply miss his kind and loving energy.

A Memorial Service will be held for Izzy Friday, April 17, 2026 at Christ's Church in Fort Morgan at 2:00 PM.