Jose E. Ortega (Joe) peacefully passed away Aug. 31, 2020, at the age of 85. Joe was born Dec. 10, 1934, in La Madera, New Mexico, to the parents of Juan B. Ortega and Trinidad Ortega. He is one of 17 siblings. He is survived by Modesto Ortega, Sam Ortega, Michael Ortega, Andrew Ortega, Julian Ortega, Lucy Lovato, Rachel Emerson, Margaret Nelson, Madeline Olson, Ada Fresquez, Nora Sellards, Rita Martinez; and preceded by Adam Ortega, Frank Ortega, Bertha Romero, Peggy Armour.
Joe married Kathryn Ortega on Sept. 25, 1965, and raised their four children: Jim (Kaye), Richard, Scott (Kris), and Lori (Kye). He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He served in the Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He served in many positions with St. Marguerite Church (managed bingo for over 30 years), Senior Citizen Center, Arts Festival, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Joe coached baseball and was on the State Level for Babe Ruth from 1970 to 1984. He retired from Tooele Army Depot with 30 years of service.
Joe will always be remembered as a loving and caring man and will forever be in our hearts.
Funeral mass will be held Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, at St. Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 S. 7th St., Tooele, Utah, at 11:30 a.m. A visitation prior to the service will be held from 10 -11 a.m., with the Rosary beginning at 11 a.m. In keeping with COVID guidelines, we ask that if attending the services you wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. A mask will be provided if you do not have one.