Gil Ortiz Sr.

Gil Ortiz Sr., passed away peacefully on February 9th 2024, as he was called by our heavenly Father. Gil was born June 19, 1940 in Laredo, Texas.
He was the 5th of 5 children born to loving parents Juan Ortiz and Julia Arzola. Gil is preceded in heaven by his parents Juan and Julia, his wife and love of his life Elvira Ortiz, his first born son Gil Ortiz Jr., his daughter Rosa Elia Ortiz, his sister Maria De Refugio Stahl and his son-in-law Gregory E. Stowers.
Gil's memory lives on in his family. He is survived by sisters Maria Antonia Ortiz and Julia Hartzog (Kurt Hartzog); brother Juan Lorenzo Ortiz; daughter Carmelita Ortiz Stowers, sons Gerardo Ortiz (Jerilee Sikora-Ortiz) and Juan Carlos Ortiz; grandchildren Matthew G. Stowers, Jeremy Ortiz, Andrew G. Stowers, Nathan Gil Stowers, Julia Ortiz, and Elisa Rose Hernandez; daughters-in-law Jill Ortiz and Gina Frazza-Stowers; son-in- law Demetrius Hernandez; and numerous extended family members.
Gil was a proud graduate of St. Joseph Academy in Laredo. Gil then met the love of his life Elvira, where they began raising their children. Gil joined the army and became a veteran serving as a medic while being stationed in Georgia and then Germany. After leaving the service Gil moved the family to Austin where he attended and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas. Gil worked in the central Texas area for the next 57 years and retired from the probation department working for Travis County and Hays County. During his tenure in the 1980's he established and coordinated the yearly Dial-A-Ride service during the Christmas and New Year's season. He worked relentlessly to get support from car dealerships, advertisers, volunteer drivers and operators, and local bars to establish and coordinate free rides to those who may have had too much to drink. Today this has now evolved to Sober Rides done free by Cab Services. He has had a huge influence in the city of Austin saving lives.
Gil was a man of service. He served his nation as a proud army medic, he served as a volunteer in his churches as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and visiting the homebound for many years, he served as an officer and president of his neighborhood association, volunteered as an election judge supervisor. As an Optimist International Club member he served tirelessly for over 35 years in many positions including Governor and Vice President included. As an Optimist he influenced and touched so many children's' lives. He established the yearly Deaf Santa Clause in Austin, coordinated so many Optimist Oracle Scholarship competitions, and coordinated the High School Leaders Recognition in the State Capital of Texas. He helped with so many fundraisers collecting money for scholarships going back to Austin Aqua Festival to the optimist Car Shows. He visited schools and Juvenile detentions giving gifts and offering hope. He also established the first Optimist branch in Mexico. He lived by the Optimist Creed, loved his Optimist Club brothers and sisters, and helped so many young lives.
Gil loved God and was a man of faith, and attended 7:30 mass rain or shine. But also, he loved his Texas Longhorns and the Cowboys, loved going to casinos and spending the day on slot machines, and loved being an International Optimist Club member.
But Gil's greatest love and greatest service was being a husband, our dad, our grandfather and or our friend. He touched our hearts with his unconditional love and laughter, and touched our minds with his wisdom. He made sure we experienced loving family memories. That was his gift to us that we treasure about him. He was a true family man, a dad to so many. Gil and Elvira celebrated 55 years of marriage which was also something he was most proud of. We love you dad, say hi to Mom and hook'em horns.
Wake Services Rosary and Viewing: Friday February 16th 6:00pm-8:00pm ROSARY 6:45 pm - 7:15 pm Beck Funeral Home 4765 Priem Ln, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Church Service/ Funeral Mass: Saturday February 17th 10:00am in the MAIN SANCTUARY
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 1520 N Railroad Ave, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Reception Following: 11:00 following, a reception will be held immediately after the mass in the parish hall. If you are open to bringing a covered dish, please bring it to the parish hall before the mass.
Future Cemetery service: Dad's body will be cremated. A Cemetery service will be scheduled in 1 to 2 weeks and include an honor guard ceremony and the Catholic funeral rite, which was so important to our dad.