Colonel Bert Joseph Terrazas, Army (Retired)

Bert Joseph Terrazas, age 91, father of three daughters, and grandfather of three, passed away peacefully on March 6th, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Bert was known for his devotion to family, to community, and to public service. He deeply appreciated Native American art and pottery, and was a lifetime collector. Bert was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In high school he met Martha Baca, with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage before Martha's passing in 2016. Bert and Martha raised their family, and traveled widely, as Bert's military career led to several relocations including postings at the Pentagon and Fort Lewis, WA, and included several trips abroad to Europe, Australia, Greece, Central America and Asia. Soon after retiring from the military, Bert and Martha returned to the land they loved and together they designed and built their dream home in Placitas, NM. Bert and Martha cherished their time in their Placitas home and they hosted friends and many family holiday gatherings.

At the Pentagon, Bert served as member of the organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and served on Army Discharge Board and Army Field Grade Promotion Board. Bert earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management and graduate work in Public Administration and Social Foundations in American Education from the University of Virginia. He also graduated from the US Army War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and was selected by the Department of Defense to participate in the Executive Program for Senior Officials in National Security, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, as well as receiving the Defense Logistics Agency Quality Management Award. After retirement from active military service, Bert served as a civilian Chairman, Department of Educational Applications, US Army Management Staff College, at Fort Belvoir, and upon returning to New Mexico, continued public service, working in training for the New Mexico Department of Education, and completed his career in public service as the Director for the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico.

Bert is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Elizabeth and Michael Seeliger of Albuquerque; Cynthia and Kevin Keegan of Ashburn, VA; and Kathleen and Mark Wynkoop of Leesburg, VA; and his grandchildren, Shawn Martinez (wife Heather), Kelynn Keegan, and Joseph Keegan. He is also survived by his brother, Christopher Terrazas and his wife Kathleen. During his final years he shared many special moments with Jadvyga Biskis, his close friend and companion.

A Rosary will be recited Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Wyoming. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum Chapel, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. Entombment will follow.

Bert also acknowledges his long-standing friendships by naming the following individuals as Honorary Pallbearers: Captain Desi Baegin, Colonel Robert Duffner, Captain Trinny Morra, Ken Bower, Former Members 156 Support - Sergeant Rey Renteria and Sergeant Major Sanchez.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bert may be made to the Military Order of World Wars, moww.org for the Youth Leadership Educational Conference, where Bert often taught youth leadership classes.