Funeral services for John S. Ortega, 63, of Chamberlain, SD will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the United Church of Christ in Chamberlain.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral.

John S. Ortega, 63, Chamberlain SD, May 3, 1960 – August 7, 2023.

John S. Ortega was born on May 3, 1960 in Angeles City, Philippines to Avelino Sr. and Carmelita Ortega. John began as an engineering student, but later changed and took air conditioning and refrigeration courses for two years at Angeles University Foundation. After graduating college, at the age of 21, in 1981 he flew overseas to Saudi Arabia to work as an HVAC Technician to support his parents and siblings. After 4 years of long-distance relationship, he went back to the Philippines to marry Luzviminda (Luz) Gonzales on February 14, 1985 at Angeles City. He stayed for a year and their first child Jasper John was born. He went back to Saudi Arabia, and the second child, Christoper John was born while he was abroad. After 5 years, he flew back to the Philippines when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. After a few months, he went back to work in Saudi Arabia again. After working so many years in Saudi Arabia, John was fluent in Arabic. In 1997, a baby girl was born named Camille Jane. After she was born, he remained with his family, and in 2000, the youngest son, Louize John, was born. John worked on air-conditioning and refrigeration while he was staying in the Philippines with his family. In 2008, he left home again to Qatar to work as an HVAC technician. He returned for good in 2010. He worked a lot of jobs and sidelines to provide for his family and get his kids through school. His sacrifices and being away from family are remarkable. In November 2015, he and his family emigrated to United States.

Chamberlain has been his home since. John worked 7 days a week most of the time for Chamberlain Food Center and Main St Café & Market, and he also did side jobs. His presence made a positive impact in the community. He joked around a lot, but his work ethic and hard work to get the job done set a good example to his co-employees. His smile and sense of humor brightened up people's day. John was such an industrious, selfless man, and he spent most of his time working to give his family a better life.

John loved his wife and children more than anything in this world. His family will always remember his love and sacrifices for them. His kids always say that he was a hard-headed dad, who lived by his own rules. But he had so many hopes and dreams especially for his children and that is what made him such an amazing dad. He hoped to retire in a few years and enjoy his time with his kids and grandson in the Philippines, but God had different plans and gained another angel in heaven.

John went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, August 7th, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center in Chamberlain.

Gratefully sharing his life are his wife of 38 years Luzviminda Ortega of Chamberlain, children Jasper John Ortega, and Christoper John (Angeline) Ortega, both of Angeles City, Philippines, Camille Jane Ortega of Brookings, and Louize John Ortega of Sioux Falls, and grandson Elijah Zane Ortega of Angeles City; and siblings Flordeliza Ortega Delfino, Elizabeth Ortega Ocampo, Orlando Ortega, all of Angeles City.

Preceding him in death are his parents Avelino Ortega Sr., and Carmelita Ortega; and siblings Lina Ortega, Avelino Ortega Jr., Aurora Candelario, and Edgardo Ortega.

*Special thanks to the staff at Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center, Chamberlain Food Center, Main St. Café and Market, Hickey Funeral Home, United Church of Christ, family, relatives, and friends.

We will always cherish your memory in our hearts…

**Interment of the ashes will take place in the Philippines at a later date.

**Margie Allen of Main St. Café and Market set up a Memorial Fund in John Ortega's name at First Interstate Bank in Chamberlain.