Karl Gene Thomas Chiwiwi

Karl Gene Thomas Chiwiwi, age 60, of Isleta Pueblo, NM passed away on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 at his home. Karl was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was veteran of the US Army Rangers and a noted member of the community. Karl was born and raised in Isleta Pueblo, and was a graduate of Los Lunas High school where he played football and ran track. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment where he later graduated US Army Ranger School and served on active duty. Karl met his wife, Joan (Bradshaw) Chiwiwi while both were serving at Hunter Army Airfield, GA. Karl and Joan married in November of 1986 ,where he welcomed a daughter by marriage. Karl and Joan were honorably discharged in 1987, at which time they returned to New Mexico to make their home in Isleta where they welcomed three sons. Karl was a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academy and spent the majority of his career in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of Interior as a Facilities and Safety Specialist, working in several branches of focus within those agencies. He retired from federal service in 2023, however he continued to farm full-time, and formed his own contracting company, working with his sons in both endeavors. Karl was a lifelong farmer, an avid hunter, a talented distance runner, and lover of music. Most of all, he was a family man and a devoted grandfather, spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren. His grandsons were his constant companions, and granddaughters were known as his princesses. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Jose D. Chiwiwi and Marie D. (Otero) Chiwiwi of Isleta, NM and his sister, Diane D. Chiwiwi of Isleta, NM as well as his father and mother-in-law, Alton & Michalena Bradshaw of Princetown, NY and his brother-in-law Paul Bradshaw of Schenectady, NY. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Bradshaw) Chiwiwi of Isleta, NM, his children Erika Patton (son Scott Patton) of Johnsburg, NY, Karl F. Chiwiwi (sons Jonathan & Jayce) of Isleta, NM, Justin Chiwiwi (daughter Olivia) of Los Lunas, NM, and Joshua Chiwiwi (wife, Marie, daughter Mia) of Isleta, NM. Karl is also survived by his sister Esther (Chiwiwi) Emond (husband Greg) of Laurel, MS, and his brother Aloysius Chiwiwi of Isleta, NM and his brothers-in-law Thomas Bradshaw (wife Patricia) of Rotterdam, NY, Curtis Bradshaw (wife Maggie) of Princetown, NY, Brian Bradshaw of Princetown, NY, Alton Bradshaw (wife Illana) of Mesa, AZ and sisters-in-law Lorriane Bradshaw McConnelee (husband Bruce) of Burnt Hills, NY, Ramona Bradshaw Decker (husband Sidney) of San Marcos, TX. Karl is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral mass will be held for Karl on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am, followed by a Rosary with mass to begin at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Peralta, NM. Reception to follow at Bosque Farms Rodeo Association Cowboy Hall. Karl will be interred at the Angel Fire Veterans' Memorial cemetery on Monday, May 4th, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Karl Gene Thomas Chiwiwi

October 24, 1965 - April 21, 2026