Obituary of Fredrick Luis Carrizales

It is with sad hearts the family announces the passing of Fredrick “Fred” Luis Carrizales 76, of Littleton, Colorado on Thursday, March 09, 2023. Fred was born in Des Moines, IA on November 11, 1946, to the parents of Luis and Mary Carrizales.

Fred graduated from Johnston High School in 1964 and immediately joined the Army where he became an infantryman and was assigned to the 1/8th Air Cavalry unit “Jumping Mustangs”. He was stationed at Ft Benning, GA before being deployed to Vietnam in 1965. On March 13, 1966, he was severely injured during a combat operation when a helicopter lost power and flipped over while inserting his platoon. Fred was struck by a flailing rotor amputating both of his legs. Another A company member immediately administered tourniquets on each leg saving his life. He was very humble and always proud of his service, sacrifice, and nation.

His injury in Vietnam was a pivotal point in his life in which he embraced his future with vigor, determination, strength, pride, and fierce independence. He moved to Colorado after recovering from his injuries and never looked back. He got married in 1969, adopted two children and had three more. Fred was a passionate artist, photographer, and coach. He attended Arapahoe Community College and Arizona State University to learn the arts of painting and photography. He spent countless hours in his art studio painting picturesque mountains, barns, and wilderness scenery. He loved the Colorado outdoors and would take family drives and refine his photography skills on wildflowers, mountain scenes and of course his family. Finally, he continued to serve by becoming a household name in Littleton area with his influence and impact through coaching soccer and wrestling. As a coach he taught sportsmanship, accountability, and humility and always found a way to bring out the best in all his athletes.

Fred had a unique ability to make everyone laugh, he approached life with unconditional optimism and would always find humor in the hardest of times. He was a devoted family man who was always there for us no matter what. He spent the summers with his wife, kids, siblings, nephews, and nieces in Iowa.

Fred was predeceased by his parents Luis and Mary Carrizales, his brothers David and Thomas “Tommy”, and his sister Bonnie.

Fred is survived by his wife Lubjov and children: Jeff, Shaun, Chad, Alissa and Anastasia.

Fred was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Shelby, Zach, Carissa, Erin, Tyler, Taylor, Max, Gabriella, Oliva, Riley, Liam, Kya, Dmitri, and Natalie.

He leaves behind three sisters; Sandy Angus, Juanita Watson, Lena Brannon and numerous nieces and nephews, his longtime friend Jim Quick, and countless friends.