Robert “Jerry” Ortiz, 66, died Sunday January 22, 2023 in Garden City, Kansas. He was born December 7, 1956 in Las Animas, Colorado the son of Tanis & Elody ( Herrera) Ortiz. He married Francisca Olivas on December 23, 2006 in Garden City, Kansas, she survives. Jerry spent the majority of his life and attended schools in Garden City. He faithfully served his country and community in many forms. He enlisted in the United StatesAir Force where he was stationed in Clovis, New Mexico and Oahu, Hawaii. He coached Little League, volunteered for CASA, served on the Recreation Commission Board, was a member of The Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo, American GI Forum, St Mary Catholic Church, and along with his wife, visited the frail and elderly as a Homebound Eucharistic Minister.
He was first employed as a Police Officer, later working 30 years for the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and craft fairs, and participating in the local Mexican Fiesta activities. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan, attending many of their premiere sporting events. He cherished his grandchildren and great children, and their presence in his life above all. They brought him the most joy, they were his “medicine”. He is survived by his Wife-Francisca Ortiz, Children- Dr Andrea (Todd) Sandoval, Emanuel (Maria) Castillo, Enrique (Cindy) Castillo, Devin (Deanna) Castillo, Miguel (Abigail) Castillo &Gabriel (Guadalupe) Mendez; Siblings-Joe, Marcus, Mary, Ted, Andy, and Theresa Ortiz; Grandchildren-Idaly, Meeca, Mia, Damian, Fernando, Joaquin, Genesis, Elena, Julian, Alia, Gabriel & Rafael; Great Grandchildren- Miguelito & Ehlani & numerous Nieces, Nephews and other extended family.
In addition to his Parents, he was preceded in death by infant Siblings-Bertha, Fredrick and Rita. Visitation will be held 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Thursday January 26, 2023 at Garnand Funeral Home. A Rosary will follow at 6:00 pm Thursday 26, 2023 at St Mary Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be held 11:30 am Friday January 27, 2023 with Rev. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant also at St Mary Catholic Church. Military Funeral Honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests Memorials to Edith Scheuermann Elementary School to go towards unpaid lunches in care of Garnand Funeral, 412 N 7th Street, Garden City, KS. 67846. Condolences may be posted at www. garnandfuneralhomes.com