Oliver R. Ortega

Oliverio ("Oliver" "Ollie") Rocha Ortega.    Oliver was born on April 5, 1937 and passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at his home in Chesterton, IN.  He was born in Texas, raised in Michigan, and went on to live and raise his family in East Chicago, IN.  Oliver retired from LTV Steel Company and proudly achieved his GED.  He was one of 21 children and preceded in death by his parents, Matiana and Blas Ortega, 18 siblings, his son Richard, his ex-wife Emily ‘Meli”, his in-laws Emilia and Rufino Ortega and grandpets Precious, Charluce, and Dweezil.

Oliver is survived by his sisters, Victoria and Dominga; sons, Ronald (Annette) and Rudolph (Kathy) Ortega. Also surviving are his “babies” (what he called his daughters): Annette E. Ortega, Annjanette R. Ortega, Marilyn Knox and Suzanne Chick; grandchildren: Mia, Ronald (Katie), Rudolph II, Michael (Trinity), Elizabeth (Clarence), Antonio, Andrew, Christina Ortega and who he called “My Boy”, Enrico Vicente.  He also had many great grandchildren; surviving grandpets: Diva, Lex, Tipp, Chewy, Percy and Shanna.

Oliver was a man of many trades, told great stories of his life and all who knew him growing up knew he could do the best ‘grito’ when the mariachi music came on.  Slowed down by a stroke in 2004, Oliver lived his best life and enjoyed walks, talks, many neighborhood friends, and pushing himself to be as independent as he could.  Moving to Chesterton in 2013, he continued to make friends and enjoyed the outdoors, especially when his little neighbor friend Lana visited and gave him drawings.

Oliver will be missed, especially by his caretaking daughter, Annette, but he also leaves behind all that he taught and stories he told.

A very special thank you to the Valparaiso VNA Hospice for thier excellent care and support.  Per Oliver's request, there will be no services.  Private cremation will be provided by FIFE FUNERAL HOME, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN.  PLEASE NO FLOWERS or MEMORIAL DONATIONS. To share an online condolence, logon to www.fifefuneralhome.com

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