Julio Cesar Ortega-Valdez, loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and best friend was called home to be with the Lord January 17, 2022 at 8:19pm at the age of 32. He is survived by his wife Lauren Nichole Ortega, Father Julio Cesar Ortega, Brothers Christofer Israel Ortega, and Isaac Ortega.  Father in law Paul O. Vargas, Mother in law Grace V. Vargas. Brother in laws (who he saw as blood) Timothy James (Danielle) Villalpando, Paul Anthony Vargas, and Nathaniel Abram Vargas. Sister in laws (who he saw as blood) Gabriella (Joseph) Huegele, Geneva (Ryan) Braaten, and Franchesca Pauline Vargas. Best friends (who he saw as blood) Michael G. Ramirez, Ernie Tornel, Charlie Perez, Ashley Winters, Amanda Mendez, and Misty Shaffar.

Julio was preceded in death by his mother, Maria De Los Angeles Ortega, his partner in crime Armando Ayala, Grandma Micaela Vargas, Grandma Lenore Villalpando, and many other beloved family members.

Born in Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico on October 2, 1989. Julio moved to the USA when he was 3 years old. Julio was raised in Texas and always said he was a "Born and raised Texan". When Julio was 29 his mother went to be with the lord. He always knew he would see her again in heaven.

Julio grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he met many of his best friends. His best friend forever was Michael Ramirez. Michael and Julio were inseparable and only laughed in the presence of each other. In 2015 he met the love of his life, Lauren. He knew from the minute he saw her that he would marry her. They married January 18, 2017. He impacted many lives including his own family members.  He wanted nothing more than to be a father and a sweet loving husband. He only was a sweet loving husband.

Julio loved reading the Bible in his free time, he often learned magic illusion tricks, enjoyed Friday night bar b que's with his father and father in law. And most of all he loved to sing, anyone who knew him knows he sang his heart out.

All the laughs, hugs, gestures, and simple but sweet words from him will be missed by all.

Friday, January 28, 2022

Visitation

6:00pm – 9:00pm

The Angelus Chapel

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Funeral Service

9:00am

The Angelus Chapel

Procession will follow for burial in

St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, Texas