Obituary of Federico J. Ortiz

Ortiz, Federico J. "Fred" Sr. Saginaw, Michigan Our loving husband, father, grandfather and veteran recently departed his earthly bonds as peacefully as he had hoped surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 26, 2017. He was 88 years old. Federico Juan Ortiz was born on November 18, 1928 in LaPryor, Texas to the late Alberto Lorenzo and Santos (Salas) Ortiz. He proudly served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the Marines, he married Velia Falcon on April 25, 1954 in Eagle Pass, Texas. Fred and Velia moved to Saginaw in 1956 where they raised their family together. He worked for Grey Iron Powertrain for 32 years, retiring in 1991. He was a faithful member of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption and St. Joseph Catholic Church. Fred enjoyed watching and cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Lions. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Velia; children: Araceli "Shelly" (Ernest) Banda, Rick (Anna) Ortiz, David (Elena) Ortiz, Alberto (Sandy) Ortiz, Lisa (Steven) Ramirez and Sean Meachem; daughter-in-law, Melinda Ortiz; 25 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; sisters: Maria Perez, Enriqueta (Emilio) Roman, Lupita (Nahun) Hernandez; brother, Rudy (Gloria) Ortiz. He will also be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Federico Ortiz, Jr.; grandson, Ernest Banda Jr.; sisters: Beatrice Saldana, Rosa Elia Hernandez; and a brother, Hector Ortiz. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris, OFMCap will officiate. Burial and military honors will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps and the American G.I. Forum. VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Fred will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com