Eugene Ortiz
1943-03-23 2023-01-14Obituary for Eugene Douglas Ortiz
Eugene (Gene) Douglas Ortiz of St. Louis Park, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the age of 79 years.
Gene was born on March 23, 1943 in New York, NY to Ralph and Eadie Ortiz. In 1952, he moved to Hopkins, MN, with his parents and brother, Ralph. He married his Hopkins High School sweetheart Mary Puck on January 30, 1965 and they were blessed with 57 wonderful years together.
From 1963 to 1967, Gene proudly served his country in the US Navy on the USS Fort Snelling with an honorable discharge. He continued to serve his Brothers and Sisters by supporting their families through the MN Patriot Guard's missions. He maintained strong unshakable bonds with several fellow shipmates.
He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his time up North at their cabin in Cromwell, MN. Gene retired from General Mills, his favorite work place for almost 20 years. Co-workers and friends have described him as a genuinely sweet, selfless, compassionate man known for his sharp wit and smile that made his eyes twinkle.
Gene is survived by his wife, Mary (Puck) Ortiz, his children, Lisa Anfinson, Julie Polikowsky (Josh), Andy Ortiz (Julia), his grandchildren, Tessa Anfinson, Robert Anfinson Jr (Ashley), Shane Holthaus, Bella Holthaus, Cruz Polikowsky, Ryan Ortiz, Lily Ortiz, Adria Ortiz, his great grandchildren, Novalee Jones, Nayvi Jones and his brother, Ralph (Carolyn) Ortiz, along with many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eadie Ortiz.
Gene will be especially remembered for his warm greeting and goodbye hugs that always included a kiss on our cheek. His love that extended throughout his family and friends made us all feel a special connection and relationship with him. We miss you Pop/Papa and will love you, always and forever!
Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at the Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471 Third Street, Excelsior, MN on Sunday, February 5th, at 1 pm followed by a gathering in the social hall. For those who wish to attend virtually please contact the family for the live stream link.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MN Patriot Guard ( http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/) and the Sojourner Project ( https://www.sojournerproject.org) tha
Gene was born on March 23, 1943 in New York, NY to Ralph and Eadie Ortiz. In 1952, he moved to Hopkins, MN, with his parents and brother, Ralph. He married his Hopkins High School sweetheart Mary Puck on January 30, 1965 and they were blessed with 57 wonderful years together.
From 1963 to 1967, Gene proudly served his country in the US Navy on the USS Fort Snelling with an honorable discharge. He continued to serve his Brothers and Sisters by supporting their families through the MN Patriot Guard's missions. He maintained strong unshakable bonds with several fellow shipmates.
He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed his time up North at their cabin in Cromwell, MN. Gene retired from General Mills, his favorite work place for almost 20 years. Co-workers and friends have described him as a genuinely sweet, selfless, compassionate man known for his sharp wit and smile that made his eyes twinkle.
Gene is survived by his wife, Mary (Puck) Ortiz, his children, Lisa Anfinson, Julie Polikowsky (Josh), Andy Ortiz (Julia), his grandchildren, Tessa Anfinson, Robert Anfinson Jr (Ashley), Shane Holthaus, Bella Holthaus, Cruz Polikowsky, Ryan Ortiz, Lily Ortiz, Adria Ortiz, his great grandchildren, Novalee Jones, Nayvi Jones and his brother, Ralph (Carolyn) Ortiz, along with many other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eadie Ortiz.
Gene will be especially remembered for his warm greeting and goodbye hugs that always included a kiss on our cheek. His love that extended throughout his family and friends made us all feel a special connection and relationship with him. We miss you Pop/Papa and will love you, always and forever!
Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at the Congregational Church of Excelsior, 471 Third Street, Excelsior, MN on Sunday, February 5th, at 1 pm followed by a gathering in the social hall. For those who wish to attend virtually please contact the family for the live stream link.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MN Patriot Guard ( http://www.mnpatriotguard.org/) and the Sojourner Project ( https://www.sojournerproject.org) tha
t provides support for victims of violence and abuse.