Gilbert Ortiz

ORTIZ, Gilbert -- Age 78, of Swartz Creek, died Saturday, September 23, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Wednesday, September 27 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11714 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, Fr. Amos Wischmeyer celebrant. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Swartz Creek, with Honors under the auspices of Swartz Creek V.F.W./AMVETS Post 3720 Honor Guard. Visitation will be 6-9 PM Monday, and 1-4 and 6-9 PM Tuesday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. A rosary will be prayed Tuesday evening at the funeral home and the time will be announced. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to Avalon Hospice or the Swartz Creek V.F.W. Post 3720. Gilbert was born April 18, 1928 to Guadalupe (Valles) and Joseph Ortiz in Austin, TX. He married the love of his life, Ladonna Wieferich on August 26, 1950 in Shepherd and they were blessed with 56 harmonious years of marriage. They have resided in Swartz Creek for the past 46 years. Mr. Ortiz was a veteran of the U.S. Army - Air Force stationed in the U.S., Germany, and Italy. He served as V.F.W. Chaplain and Captain of the Honor (Color) Guard. He retired from Buick in 1984 with 35 years of service. His family was his life. He enjoyed working in his yard, puttering around in his garage, and playing pinochle, He always looked forward to the annual ice fishing trip with his six sons. Mr. Ortiz is survived by: his wife Ladonna; six sons, Mike (Robbin) of Swartz Creek, Steve (Sandy) of Dayton, OH, Fred of Swartz Creek, Andy (Debbie) of Grand Blanc, Ken (Ginger) of Lennon, Jim (Patricia) of Brighton; grandchildren, Dana, Tony, Vanessa, Andria, Stephanie, Shannon, Angela, Ryan, Jason, Kim, Maria, Chad, Tiffany, Jessica, and Tarah; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Madilynn, Landen, Makayla, Christian, and Bradyn; ten brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Ortiz will be remembered for the tremendous amount of love and generosity he shared with all who knew him. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Susan and Maggie of Avalon Hospice, and the nurses on 2 South at Genesys Health Park. Tributes and condolences may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.