Cipriano Carlos "Nano" Wildenstein

Cipriano "Nano" Carlos Wildenstein, a Bronze Star recipient, well-decorated, distinguished, and respected veteran of the United States Military passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the Kindred Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. He was born in Las Vegas, NM on April 29, 1938 to Charles "Charlie" Margarito Wildenstein and Juanita "Jane" Ortega. He was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Kelly, his Aunt Antonia "Toni" Ortega Sedillo, and his maternal grandparents Victoriano Ortega and Valeria Gonzales and paternal grandparents Ymeteria Yara Guerin and Rudolpho Wildenstein. He is survived by his wife, Pam Greenfield Wildenstein; and a son, John Wildenstein; his brother, Rudy and wife Irene Aragon of Santa Fe and their daughter Debbie of Santa Fe, NM and son Kevin, an attorney of Albuquerque, NM; his sister, Mary Louise Abreu and husband, Ernie of Las Vegas, NM, and their children Jim, Ernest Charles, Bob, Don, John, Rick, Loretta, a US Army veteran, all of Las Vegas, NM and Michael, a Navy Captain, of Washington, DC; and his youngest sister Frances. Nano was raised on Valley Street and grew up and went to school in West Las Vegas. He then joined the military out of high school in 1955. He spent 38 years in the military or working with the military in one capacity or another, performed counseling at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque after his service, and received 32 medals for his courage and valor during his time in military service and during wartime - one being the Bronze Star. He served four tours in Vietnam. He served 11 months as a POW during that time, eventually escaping on his own. He served in Germany and did a military tour in Iran. He worked for the Inspector General during that time. Nano loved animals and donated to many charities and shelters for animals and their care. He was a master at restoring old vehicles and had several classic Corvettes and 1950s Chevys that he meticulously restored through the years. He was quite religious after retirement and spent time daily at prayers and quiet contemplation. He lived a very exciting and eventful life and he lived it to the fullest. He leaves a grieving family grateful for having had him in their lives. If you knew Nano, you were a better person for it. He was always a little larger than life and he had a great personality and way about him that made him a delight to be around. Memorial Rosary will be held Friday, January 31, 2014, 8:30 a.m. followed by Memorial Mass at 9:15 a.m., both at Sangre de Cristo Church, 8901 Candelaria Rd. NE. A Committal Service will take place Monday, February 3, 2014, 10:30 a.m., in Santa Fe at the National Cemetery where he will be interred in honor of his military service. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400