Obituary of Robert James Ortega

Ortega, Robert J. of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was 66 years old. Robert James Ortega was born on August 10, 1949 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Antonio and Josephine (Castanon) Ortega. He married Benita Arizo on September 22, 1995 in Saginaw; she survives him. He was a 1968 graduate of Saginaw High School. Following graduation, Robert began working for Delphi Steering Gear; retiring in 2005 after 36 years of service. He loved being outdoors, especially gardening. Robert was also an active runner and enjoyed biking. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Above all, Robert loved and cherished his family. He will forever be remembered for being a kind gentle soul and for his wonderful sense of humor. Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Benita Ortega of Saginaw; two daughters: Lisa Sears and Michelle (Darrell) Tomandl of Saginaw; three step-daughters: Gina (Joe) Teneyuque, Tina Padilla (Ryan Owen) and Yolanda (Kevin) Bidwell, all of Saginaw; five grandchildren, Robert, Marcellius, Alicia, Valentino, and Benjamin; one great-granddaughter, Lillie; seven step-grandchildren: Joe, Gregorio, Fred, little Joe, Marcos, Tiffany and Parker; one sister, Margaret Salazar of Saginaw; four brothers: Daniel (Yolanda) Ortega, Eddie (Rose) Ortega, Michael (Maria) Ortega, all of Saginaw, and Fred Ortega of Dallas, TX; mother-in-law, Carmen Arizo, of Saginaw; one brother-in-law, Alex (Gloria) Arizo of Birch Run; two sister-in-law: Adelita (Lou) Wojcik of Maui, HI, and Sylvia Arizo of Saginaw; and a special God-daughter, baby Adel. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by a step-granddaughter, Linda Teneyuque; two brothers-in-law, Mariano Arizo and Joe "Cobra" Salazar; a nephew, Francisco Garnica; and a sister-in-law, Elma Arizo. FUNERAL: Honoring Robert's wishes cremation has taken place. A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFM Cap will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. MEMORIALS: Robert loved flowers, all flowers and plants are welcome. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.