Felipe "Phil" Ortiz

Felipe “Phil” Ortiz, 74, of Topeka passed away May 1, 2020 at Stormont Vail Hospital. Phil was born on May 1, 1946 in Topeka. Son of Domingo and Joaquina Ortiz. Phil graduated from Topeka High School, class of 1964. After graduating he joined the United States Air Force working as an instructor for the Avionics Maintenance Squadron. He served for over twenty years as Master Sargent. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for the State of Kansas at KNI where he retired after twenty-three years as a license mental health technician.

Later in life Phil loved to sit on his front porch with his family observing the squirrels and rabbits, and took a special interest in watching the birds. Phil also had quite the sweet tooth. He enjoyed indulging in ice cream, Mexican bread and cookies. In addition to his sweets, he was a ‘meat and potato’ man. Phil also appreciated the English Premier Soccer league. His favorite team was Chelsea FC. In his earlier years, he participated in a bowling league with his military family. He was fluent in German and was studying Latin. Phil was an avid QVC shopper. He loved to collect different CD’s, DVD’s, albums, and loved reading books.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his five brothers, Larry, Victor, Johnny, Cato, and Genaro “Hank” Ortiz; nephew, Paul Juarez; and sister, Marcella Ortiz Juarez.

Phil is survived by his sister Rachelle Vega-Retana, numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, followed by private interment at Mount Calvary.

Public visitation will be Friday, May 8, 2020 at Brennan Mathena Funeral Home from noon till 6:00 p.m. Social distancing will still be practiced under the COVID-19 restrictions. Rosary will be prayed at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m.

A public memorial mass will follow on a later date once the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Disabled Veterans Association, The Wounded Warrior Project, Helping Hands Humane Society, and/or KTWU, and sent in the care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home. 800 SW 6^th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.