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COLAQUE -- Joseph Estrella Colaque (Joe Star), respected elder of Walatowa, NM entered into eternal life on May 9, 2004. He was born on September 2, 1917 in Jemez Pueblo, NM to Juan Domingo and Nazarita Banada Colaque. As a young child he wondered what lie beyond the Sandia Mountains. At age 13 years old he ran away from home to discover the world. He rode freight trains, traveled with the Barnum and Bailey Circus and worked in C.C. camps. He was drafted into the United States Army at the start of World War II. He was the first to be drafted from Jemez Pueblo; he served in the 45th Thunderbird Division and saw action in Sicily, Italy, France, Austria, and Germany. Altogether the 45th Thunderbird Division saw 571 combat days. The liberated Dauchau Concentration Camp. At the end of World War II, Joe Star made his home in Beverly, Massachusetts where he and his wife, Clear Sky, founded "Along A Moccasin Trail" which was a program of Native American folklore, song and dance. Together they became very well known in New England and New York. They were mentors to countless people who wanted to learn the Native American ways. He co-founded the "Four Winds Drum Group". He retired from the United States Postal Service and most recently made his home in Albuquerque, NM. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Metasonya Clear Sky; his sister, Lenore Pecos Toledo; and his nephew Thomas A. Toledo, who was killed in action in Viet Nam. He is survived by his niece Esther Clear Sky who he raised from early childhood and considered as his daughter. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Karl E. Sando, Ettina B. Sando, Martin Star Sando; Great-grandchildren are Vance Lee Evanson, Cheyenne Sando and Chasity Sando. Also surviving his nine beautiful nieces of whom he was much proud, they are Margaret Loretto, Pauline Correo, Virginia Sandia, Antonia Fragua, Nancy Jane Toledo, Sara Vigil, Ramona Yepa, Jacqueline Madalena, and Valerie Toledo. He is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the San Diego Mission Church in Jemez Pueblo. Interment will follow in Jemez Pueblo. Funeral services are entrusted to: Alameda Mortuary 9420 4th Street NW 898-3160
        Published on: Tue May 11, 2004