Joseph H. Ortega, '47
Joseph H. Ortega, '47, passed away on January 11, 2025, in Schertz, Texas. Lifetime Member, Former BTNAA President, Former Boys Town Director of Personnel.
Joseph H. Ortega - July 22, 1929 - January 11, 2025
Joseph H. Ortega July 22nd 1929 - 2025 Survived by Spouse Shirley Ortega, (siblings & spouses) Joseph &(Michelle Ortega), Michelle & (Tracy Rymer), Daniel Ortega, Deborah Lokai and Mary & (Jim Pillar). 12 grand children and 8 great grandchildren.
Graduate of BoysTown, NE, College and Retired Lt. Colonel US Air Force. Veteran pilot Korean and Viet Nam wars. Became active and successful as a base personnel director was able to plan and implement the building of many projects enriching the lives of military families on all the bases stationed at.
Joe was a strong and loyal supporter of the Boys Town National Alumni Association serving as its president from 1983-1985. He, along with Robert Keeder, was instrumental in creating the Lifetime Membership Program for the BTNAA. He was a frequent attendee at Biennial reunions and was an inductee into the Boys Town Alumni Association Hall of History.
After retiring at Offutt AFB he returned to Boys Town to work with Father Wegner as Boys Town's personnel director in revitalizing their Human Resources Office. During this time he used his flying skills to fly Boys Town staff to meetings around the area and country. After retiring from Boys Town he owned several businesses in Omaha before divesting and moving to California and engaging in a variety of ventures. He and Shirley decided to end their working careers at Disney World in Florida. He was engaged to design and build a local golf course for a new development nearby Disney and create a perfect location for family to visit regularly and enjoy the Disney and surrounding entertainment. Upon retirement from Disney they moved to the San Antonio area where they remained until his recent passing after celebrating their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Loved by family and friends will be missed.
Joseph H. Ortega July 22nd 1929 - 2025 Survived by Spouse Shirley Ortega, (siblings & spouses) Joseph &(Michelle Ortega), Michelle & (Tracy Rymer), Daniel Ortega, Deborah Lokai and Mary & (Jim Pillar). 12 grand children and 8 great grandchildren.
Graduate of BoysTown, NE, College and Retired Lt. Colonel US Air Force. Veteran pilot Korean and Viet Nam wars. Became active and successful as a base personnel director was able to plan and implement the building of many projects enriching the lives of military families on all the bases stationed at.
Joe was a strong and loyal supporter of the Boys Town National Alumni Association serving as its president from 1983-1985. He, along with Robert Keeder, was instrumental in creating the Lifetime Membership Program for the BTNAA. He was a frequent attendee at Biennial reunions and was an inductee into the Boys Town Alumni Association Hall of History.
After retiring at Offutt AFB he returned to Boys Town to work with Father Wegner as Boys Town's personnel director in revitalizing their Human Resources Office. During this time he used his flying skills to fly Boys Town staff to meetings around the area and country. After retiring from Boys Town he owned several businesses in Omaha before divesting and moving to California and engaging in a variety of ventures. He and Shirley decided to end their working careers at Disney World in Florida. He was engaged to design and build a local golf course for a new development nearby Disney and create a perfect location for family to visit regularly and enjoy the Disney and surrounding entertainment. Upon retirement from Disney they moved to the San Antonio area where they remained until his recent passing after celebrating their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Loved by family and friends will be missed.