Joseph Michael Ortega

Joseph Michael Ortega “Joe,” age 32, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was born on July 5, 1993, in Bedford, Texas.

Joseph was a devoted and loving father to Joseph M. Ortega Jr. and Hera Persephone Ortega. He was a wonderful son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was an amazing uncle to Hailey Rae, Kaitlyn Santana, and Shyanne Marquez.

Joseph truly lived life to the fullest through simple joys. He was a kind and humble man who always had a warm smile. Known for his sense of humor, he was always joking and loved solving puzzles. During his high school years on the wrestling team, he earned the nickname “Piggy,” a name fondly remembered by many. Joseph was a hard worker and was known as “Joe” to his coworkers. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Joseph is preceded in death by his grandparents: Jose R. “Pepe” Huerta and Maria de los Angeles Zamora Huerta; Ernesto Ortega and Manuela Garza Ortega; Eduardo Benavides and Maria Ratliff Benavides; his uncle, Alex Garcia; and his aunts, Veronica Huerta and Lucia Ortega.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Joseph M. Ortega Jr. and Hera Persephone Ortega; his parents, Guadalupe Huerta Ortega, Robert Benavides, and Norberto Ortega; his sister, Kimberly Ortega; his brother-in-law, Miguel Lucio Marquez; his nieces, Hailey Rae, Kaitlyn Santana, and Shyanne Marquez; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to LogistiQ and Rev. François Tsanga for his compassionate care and support

The Ortega-Huerta-Benavides family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, January 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM Friday evening.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Joseph will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mark Anthony Guzmán, Jesse Huerta Jr., Jacob Ortiz, Julian Huerta Jr., Alex “Hondo” Garcia Jr., Robby Villalobos Jr., Ernesto Ortega III, Solomon Rojas, Andrew Alvizo, and Miguel Marquez.

Honorary Pallbearer: His beloved son, Joseph M. Ortega Jr.