Jorge Pena

Jorge Pena
Jorge Luis Pena, 69, of Midland, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2025, after a beautiful autumn day spent doing some of his favorite things-a morning walk, a ride around his hunting property checking his deer cams, and an afternoon of football at home. He is now in his heavenly home reunited with his dear parents, Golfrey and Celestina (Mendez) Pena; beloved brothers Olivero, Mario, and Corando Pena; sisters-in-law Elma and Lucy Pena; special in-laws Virgil and Irene Goetzinger; brothers-in-law Allen and Donald Goetzinger; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Jorge was born on October 12, 1956, in Hebbronville, Texas. Some of his most cherished memories involved good times with his large family and being a proud member of the Hebbronville High School football team. To this day, he kept in touch with his extended family, friends, and teammates from "back home." He was forever a Texan. He attended college on a football scholarship and graduated with both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Texas. It was in college that he met his beloved wife Diane (Goetzinger) who happened to be travelling from Michigan on an exchange program; it was destiny, he often said. Jorge and Diane celebrated 43 years of marriage this year. Together they raised three sons-Jacob, Jared, and Jordan-who were his pride and joy. He was actively involved with the boys as their scout leader, coach, camping and hunting buddy, hobbyist, and advisor. He died knowing his boys had become amazing adults.
Jorge retired from Midland Public Schools/Northeast Middle School in 2019 after more than 35 years of teaching. Besides Midland Public Schools, he also taught for the Michigan Department of Corrections, Bridgeport High School, Kingston Work and Learn Camp, and Corpus Christi ISD. He had fond memories of his many students and often remarked that he was fortunate to have a career that he loved. In retirement, Jorge enjoyed woodworking, travelling with Diane, lucky times at the casino, time spent with his boys, and his hunting property near Midland. Jorge died a happy man but sadly left us too soon.
Besides his wife and boys, Jorge is survived by his brothers Golfrey, Tranquilino, Carlos, Juan (Thelma), Silvano (Pam), and Albert Pena; his sister Irene (Moe) Miller, and sisters-in law Zulema and Oralia Pena, all of Texas. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Gary (Debbie) Goetzinger and Joe (Linda) Goetzinger as well as sisters-in-law Judy (Randy) Zamarron, Monica Goetzinger, and Mara Goetzinger as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00am on November 13, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Rob Howe officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on November 12, 2025 at Smith-Miner Funeral Home and the next day at the church from 10:00am until time of service. A memorial service will take place in Hebbronville, Texas, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. Most importantly, simply remember Jorge's smile and sense of humor when you think of him.
Rest with the angels now, Jorge. You will be missed forever.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pena family; to share a special memory please visit www.smithminer.com.