José Carlos Olvera

José Carlos Olvera Our beloved brother and uncle José Carlos Olvera passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2008 at his home in Biggsville, IL. José was one of nine children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Reyes and Cleotilde Olvera and his brother Reyes A. Olvera. He was born and raised in Austin, Texas. After graduating from Austin High School he joined the military. He served in both the Army and the Air Force in the U.S., Europe and Viet Nam. He was a decorated veteran earning a bronze star. After his military life he attended the University of Texas, graduating with a degree in journalism. He then attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C. and the University of Iowa from which he received his law degree. He was admitted to the Iowa Bar, and practiced law both as a private attorney and for the state of Iowa, concluding his career as the Chief Public Defender for Burlington. José will be greatly missed by his sisters, brothers-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and his great-great-nephew. José didn't have any children of his own but he gave all his love to his family, his beloved dog Bunny and his cats. We wish to thank the Burlington Public Defenders office for all of the help they gave us in helping with José's needs, especially Becky and Renee. José was a devoted parishioner at St. Patrick's church in Biggsville where he was involved in several social ministries. He was both a Eucharist minister and a lector. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 12041 Bittern Hollow, Austin at 10:00 a.m. in the morning.