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Caleb Ortiz Obituary
Jan 19, 2006 - Mar 6, 2026
Caleb Alexander Ortiz, age 20, left this earth on March 6, 2026, when he drove into a tree on a dark, wet, country road with an unexpected curve. We'd do anything to change the trajectory of that night.
Caleb was smart, funny, and always up for an adventure. He will be remembered for his warm hugs - you knew he meant it when he hugged you - and his generous spirit. Caleb loved his family and friends fiercely. His smile could light up a room. He could make friends anywhere, but he picked those closest to him with care. However, if you wronged Caleb, you'd know it - he wasn't one to mince words.
He was ALWAYS losing things. His keys, his debit card, his license, his phone … all.the.time.
He loved family traditions. If we tried to mix things up, he set us straight.
Caleb graduated from Valparaiso High School in 2024. He was a proud member of the 2022 Viking State Championship team, also earning special recognition for his academic achievements by the Indiana Football Coaches Association.
He was a talented clarinet player. He played in the Indiana All State Bands for three years and won countless gold medals at the ISSMA competitions. He was a member of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra, and he attended IU's Jacob's School of Music as a clarinet performance major. He was so proud to be selected to attend JSOM.
Caleb began working at Tree Frog Tree Service after graduation, and he learned that he really liked cutting down trees! He worked whenever he was home from IU and found joy in it, ultimately deciding to leave IU and work full time. He liked the physical rigor tree cutting required and probably the risk and adrenaline rush that goes with downing trees. He was considering returning to school to become an arborist, and he was looking forward to starting the next chapter of his life before his sudden departure. Caleb will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Richard and Jennifer Ortiz, his brother, Nathan Ortiz (Cecily), grandmother, Clara Frailey, loving partner, Izzy DeHaan, a large extended family, and his sweet kitty, Licorice. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, David Lawrence Frailey, and grandmother, Maria Esther Vallejo Ortiz.
We will gather to remember Caleb from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. Services to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Recover Connection, checks made payable to Porter County PACT, memo line Recovery Connection. Donate online at www.recoveryconnectionpc.org
Memories and Condolences
for Caleb Ortiz
Sponsored by The Times.
3 Entries
Grant Timmons
March 11, 2026
I looked up to Cayleb and he was a role model for me. He helped pull me out of a bad time in my life.
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Marsha Anne Benedek
March 11, 2026
So sorry for the loss of your son. As a mother who lost a child I grieve for you and your family. Unfortunately, you will find there are no words to comfort you. All you will have are family and friends by your side to support you. Even your good memories are going to hurt. I pray that the day comes soon when your memories bring a smile to your face instead of tears to your eyes. Spoken by a man who lost a wife and two children.
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