Daniel Ortiz

Daniel Ortiz (Dan) made his transition peacefully in Austin, Texas on February 14, 2025. He spent 20 years in the Austin, Texas area and another 20 years in Illinois. Dan was the beloved husband of 39 years to Lidia M. Ortiz. He was the father of Daniel (Kathy) Ortiz, Kelly (Miguel) Hernandez, and Kollette (Joe) Pacheco; he had eight grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Dan was also a stepfather to Lidia's six children; Linda (Mark) D'Agostino, Mary Arroyo, Janie Arroyo, Juan Arroyo, Martha Arroyo, Dalia (Edwin) Holmes, her 21 grandkids, 34 great grandkids, and four great-great grandkids. Dan was born on December 17, 1945 in Saginaw, Michigan to Patrick and Virginia Guerrero. As an infant, he was adopted and raised by Hilario and Galdina Ortiz. He attended Saginaw High School and in 1968, he volunteered to enlist in the military. Dan proudly served his country as a United States Marine during the Vietnam War and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He was later honorably discharged and attempted to readjust to postwar life while suffering from PTSD. While working as a forklift driver at Howard Systems in Austin, Texas, he asked his future wife out to lunch and in 1986, they happily married. Dan retired at an early age due to becoming physically ill which resulted in spending much time at home. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, dining out, watching sports on TV, landscaping his home and having morning coffee with his loving wife. He was known for cracking jokes and on hot summer days, walking around with a towel draped around his neck. Dan was a man of deep Christian faith and served the Lord with gladness. Although he’s not physically present, his spirit is with us. Daniel will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. May he rest in peace. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, on April 4, 2025.

Daniel Ortiz

December 17, 1945 - February 14, 2025