Alfred Ortiz

Alfred “Alfredo” Ortiz, 77, of Knippa, Texas, passed away August 25, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas with his daughter, Janell, at his side after a battle with kidney failure. He was born in Knippa, Texas, to Francisco and Merejilda (Guzman) Ortiz on December 29, 1945. He grew up in Knippa with his seven brothers, working on the family land and enjoying the Texas Hill Country. He attended Grade School in Knippa as well as Knippa High School (class of 1964) where he graduated as salutatorian.

After high school, he pursued a career as journeyman carpenter. In the early 1970s, he began his career as journeyman carpenter at the Enrico Fermi nuclear power plant in Erie, Michigan. In 1981 he became a general contractor in Uvalde, Texas. He returned to journeyman carpentry in the early 1990s working for the University of Texas San Antonio until his retirement.

He enjoyed his retirement visiting with his children, grandchildren, and brothers. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed working on Classic Cars and Trucks, including a 1974 F-150 Ranger XLT. He also enjoyed taking road trips with his first wife, Gloria, throughout the United States. He especially enjoyed visiting the western United States including Yosemite, the Redwood Forest, the Bay Area and Colorado.

Alfred was a proud, recognized member of the Yoeme (Yaqui) tribe and actively spent time researching his Native American roots and participating in tribal activities and traditions.

He is survived by his beloved first wife, travelling companion, and close confidant, Gloria (Castillo) Ortiz; children, Darrell Ortiz of Chicago, IL, Duane Ortiz of San Antonio, TX, Jennifer (Ortiz) Stevenson of Sydney, Australia and Janell Ortiz of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren: Alexander and Gabrielle Ortiz (Chicago, IL); JoLynnn, Cecilia, Brandon (San Antonio, TX), and Allora and Alyssa (San Antonio, TX), three brothers: Monico Ortiz (Las Vegas, NV), Santiago Ortiz (Knippa, TX) and Alejandro Ortiz (Knippa, TX); as well as beloved six half siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

We would like to say a Special Thank You to the Staff at Uvalde Memorial Hospital for taking good care of our Dad during his many visits.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life and viewing, which will be held at Rushing Estes Funeral Home in Uvalde, Texas on August 29th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on August 30^th at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.