Willie Joseph Ortego

Willie Joseph Ortego, 96, of Lake Charles passed away Sunday, November 28, 2021 in the comfort of his home.

Mr. Ortego was a native of Whiteville, LA.  He served the United States Army during World War II as a Squad Leader in Rhineland, Central Europe and Normandy and was wounded on Omaha beach during the landing for the D-Day Invasion.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and Eameto Medal and a Bronze Arrowhead.  Mr. Ortego worked his younger years as a Milkman, delivering dairy products to countless families who became friends throughout his nearly thirty-year career.  He later worked with a local lawn mower shop and purchased and opened as, Ortego’s Lawn Mowers and operated for many years with his son later joining him to take over upon his retirement.  During his younger years, he was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer. Later years, he enjoyed playing Boo-Ray with his golf family and friends and spoiling his grandchildren.  His favorite places away from home were Pine Shadow Golf Course as he most often golfed five days a week and Southern Spice where he was a regular.  Mr. Ortego was of Catholic faith, devoted to praying the rosary with his wife and daughter.  He will be most remembered for his sense of humor, laughter and making others laugh.

He leaves his son, Brian Ortego and wife Robin of Iowa; daughter, Debbie Dilts of Lake Charles; son-in-law, Reed Pearce of Lake Charles; ten grandchildren, David, Kevin and Jared Pearce, Michael and Scott Ortego, Dana Lemons, Michelle Guillotte, Julie Walker, Bethany Dilts Theriot and Alicia Perez; twenty great grandchildren and a sister, Mary Mae Vidrine of Opelousas.

He was preceded in death by his wife of seventy-five years, Una Mae Vidrine Ortego; daughter, Diane Ortego Pearce, son-in-law, David Dilts and parents, Emile and Lovenia Vidrine Ortego.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 02, 2021 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5495 Elliott Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605 under the direction Johnson Funeral Home.  Father Nathan Long will officiate.  A Rosary will be recited Thursday at 10:30 AM with visitation following from 11:00 AM until the time of service in the church.  Interment will follow at Consolata Cemetery.