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John William Ortiz
Born: 3/8/1931
Died: 8/30/2022
Age: 91
Community: Grand Blanc and Midland, MI
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John William Ortiz, born March 8, 1931, in Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on
Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at age 91 at the Tranquility Estates of Grand Blanc,
Michigan. His parents Joseph and Guadalupe Ortiz raised a fine family of five boys and
six girls. John was the 3rd oldest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph
and Guadalupe, a brother, Gilbert Ortiz, and a sister, Carolina Cisneros.
John leaves behind three brothers and five sisters: Raymond (Doris) Ortiz of St. Louis,
Michigan; Felix (Becki) Ortiz of Stanwood, Michigan; Robert (Julie) Ortiz of Stanwood,
Michigan; Alicia Hughes of Midland, Michigan; Virginia (Gary) Smith of Traverse City,
Michigan; Margaret (Terry) Calkins of Midland, Michigan; Martina (Keith) Stewart of
Sanford, Michigan; and Mary Siminski of Midland, Michigan and many, many nephews
and nieces.
John entered the school system in St. Louis, Michigan, where he was introduced to all
sports and tried them all. He ran the quarter mile in track and played several positions
in football, including quarterback. Later he found tennis, paddle ball and golf. He really
enjoyed golf, was an active member in several golf clubs, and played in many
tournaments as an amateur. He was so proud of his 6 hole-in-ones! Golf was truly his
favorite sport and that is where he spent most of his leisure time..on the golf course!
John had a master plan. He knew he needed more education in order to compete in
the job force so after completing high school he immediately signed up for the service
and proudly served our country for four years in the United States Air Force. This
allowed him to take advantage of the G.I. bill for further education. He was a proud
member of the American Legion in Grand Blanc.
He started college at Flint Junior College, now known as Mott Community College, and
completed their 2-year program. He then transferred to the University of Michigan (U of
M) in Ann Arbor to complete his 4-year program and earned two Master Degrees. He
was offered a teaching position at Mott Junior College, which is now affiliated with the
U of M, and he taught Fluid Power and Hydraulics. He also helped set up the
Engineering and Aviation programs. During his employment there, he took a
Sabbatical to work on a "Robotic" program to further his education. He retired as
Professor Emeritus in December 1985, after 30 years of service with Mott Community
College.
John was proud of his heritage but regretted not being able to spend more time with
his younger siblings while pursuing his goals. He became interested in learning how to
fly so he signed up for lessons and received his pilot's license. He then purchased a
small plane and spent many happy hours flying.
After retirement he spent winters in Florida and summers in Grand Blanc. In 2016 he
decided to sell his home in Florida and move back to Michigan to be nearer to his
family.
John was a many-faceted person. He enjoyed playing the piano and painting for his
own enjoyment. He loved to sing and dance. Singing Karaoke was a fun thing for him.
Often times you would hear him singing his favorite song My Way by Frank Sinatra.
So, as you go on your way and you just happen to hear that song by Frank, think of
John because he lived his life his way.
The Ortiz family wishes to thank Tranquility Estates of Grand Blanc, as well as the
Absolute personnel that took excellent care of our brother John while staying there. We
very much appreciated all the love you have shown toward our brother.
A celebration of John's life will be held at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home,
1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland, Michigan on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at
10:30 a.m., with Pastor Scott Nemeth officiating. The family will receive friends from
9:30 a.m., until the time of service.
Online condolences can be sent to www.ware-smith-woolever.com In lieu of flowers,
please consider the wishes of the family or a donation to your favorite charity. |
Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
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9/10/2022 |
| Time: |
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9:30 AM |
he family will receive friends from
9:30 a.m., until the time of service. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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9/10/2022 |
| Time: |
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10:30 AM |
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| Location: |
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Ware Smith Woolever - Midland
1200 West Wheeler Street
Midland, MI 48640Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Pastor Scott Nemeth |
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