Julio A. Orozco

Rev. Julio Alberto Orozco Of Arlington Heights
*January 16, 1941 - November 25, 2023*
Rev. Julio Alberto Orozco, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ, was born on January 16, 1941, in Barranquilla, Colombia, to Rev. Julio C. and Carmen Orozco. He peacefully entered eternal rest on November 25, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
In 1959, as a young man, Julio embarked on a journey to the United States to pursue his calling, attending The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) seminary in Springfield Illinois. Ordained in 1972, Rev. Julio's ministry began at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Corona, Queens, NY. His life's mission centered around professing the rightful division of the Law and Gospel of our Lord, and this commitment guided his every step.
Evangelism and Missionary Work
During his vicarage in Long Island, NY, Rev. Julio met his beloved wife, Marie, while actively engaged in evangelism. His missionary endeavors in the Latino community in Florida, including starting missions in Hialeah, reflected his faith in Jesus Christ's great commission to "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Serving as a pastor at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Tabor Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran/Jehovah Lutheran Church, he dedicated himself to the study of Holy Scripture bringing comfort to the sick, visiting the imprisoned and feeding souls in need of the Word of God.
Rev. Julio was unwavering in his confession of faith, sharing the message of Christ's Death and Resurrection with anyone at any time. His own medical miracle after a near-fatal blood clot in 2006 became a powerful testimony to the healing power of Jesus Christ.
Ministry Beyond Retirement
After retiring in 1998, Rev. Julio remained an active interim pastor, continuing to shepherd congregations with dedication. He was a committed congregant at St. John/Ascension Lutheran Church and later at St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he found joy in his continued service to the Lord.
Love for God, Family, and Country
After God and his family, Julio held a deep love for the United States, where he appreciated the freedom granted by God. Proudly becoming a naturalized citizen in 1977, he cherished the nation and its opportunities. Rev. Julio's love also extended to his native country, Colombia, where he remained devoted despite the distance.
Interests and Hobbies
In addition to his ministry, Rev. Julio had a rich tapestry of interests and hobbies. An avid sports fan, he loved soccer, American football, baseball, and basketball. His serious chess enthusiasm showcased his strategic mind. A great lover of the arts, culture and music, his favorite Christmas pastime was singing carols and karaoke with his family. He had a keen eye for the fine arts and admired Art Deco-era architecture. With a sharp sense of style, he curated a remarkable hat collection. An accomplished painter and artist, he found joy in expressing himself through art. He loved all the classics of Cinema, which only matched his love for literature which extended from ancient manuscripts to modern-day cookbooks. He was fluent in multiple languages. Mechanically minded, Rev. Julio was fascinated by aviation and automobiles. He was a Renaissance man in every sense.
Legacy and Family
Rev. Julio is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Marie Teresa Orozco, and his children Dr. Marilu (Aaron) Orozco-Peterson, Christine (Matt) Orozco-Gorgen, Julio D. (Melissa Kuziel) Orozco, and Diana (Christopher) Pedersen. His grandchildren, Maria Isabel Orozco-Vela, Christian Peterson, Garrett Peterson, Julia Pedersen, Sophia Pedersen, and Evangeline Peterson. His surviving siblings include Guillermo Orozco, Rev. Enrique Orozco, Teribel Wiggins, Carmenza Blauch, Juan Orozco, and Dalia Bedoya.
Preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth Orozco and his parents, Rev. Julio Alberto Orozco's legacy lives on through his large family and the memories they shared. The greatest gift he gave us was to have unwavering faith in Christ, our Redeemer. Our hope is in Him only, and in the life to come we will see him again.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37
Funeral Details
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 12:00 noon at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to LCMS World Relief at give.lwr.org
Funeral information and condolences can be shared at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or by calling (847) 253-0168.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen.