Nicholas N. Ortiz, Sr.

Nicholas N. Ortiz, Sr., 80, of Topeka, died January 29, 2015 at The House at Midland Care surrounded by his family. He was born in Carbondale, Kansas on December 6, 1934, the son of Socorro and Jesus (Navarette) Ortiz. Nicholas retired from Santa Fe Railway where he worked for 43 years as a Carman. He enjoyed woodworking, cooking, gardening, photography, and going to races where he was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. He spent some of his spare time welding and fabricating metal sculptures. Nick also enjoyed his family and especially his grandchildren. He married Helen Gerhardt Forbes on May 28, 1998 in Topeka, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include his sons: Nicholas (Laurie) Ortiz, Jr., Tommy L. Ortiz, and Todd (Chalyce) Howard, all of Topeka, daughters: Kathy (David) Mathis of Calhoun, Georgia, Danielle (Dave) Weber of Carbondale, Kansas, step-daughters: Tammy (Brian) Blakely and De'De (David) Kershaw both of Topeka, a step-son Jim (Michelle) Forbes, and a brother Thomas (Sue) Ortiz of Topeka. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent, Antonio, Benjamin, Socorro, Daniel, sisters, Rachel, Amelia, Virginia, and a grandson Nicholas Ortiz, III. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Nicholas will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Midland Hospice Care or to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603.