Bob Ortega
February 4, 1928 ~ April 25, 2019
Dr. Saturnino 'Bob' Ortega, 91, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House, Hiawatha. Gathering of Family and Friends: 4-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2019, at Stewart Baxter Funeral and Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:30 p.m. The family invites friends and family to share memories beginning at 6:30.
Survivors include his wife, Joan; four sons, Steve of Texas, Bill (Lori) of Minnesota, John (Kim) of Florida, Jim of Colorado; daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Torgerson of Independence; nine grandchildren, Robert, Sarah and Ryan, Andy, Allison and Evan, Elizabeth (Eric) Pittman, and Cora and Jaxson Torgerson; great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Madeline Pittman; siblings, Rolando (Leyla) and Saturnino of Florida; former spouse, Lucy Ortega; and many extended family members and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Joyce.
Bob was born on February 4, 1928, in Cienfuegos, Cuba to Saturnino and Hildegart (Panthel) Ortega. He was raised in Cienfuegos, attended school there, and later earned his medical degree from The University of Havana. He came to the United States in 1952 for medical residencies and then worked at state hospitals in Colorado and Texas. He became a US Citizen in 1965. Bob was a fellow at The Menninger School of Psychiatry in Topeka, Kansas before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1966. He practiced psychiatry with Associates for Psychiatry and at the Abbe Center. He lectured to residents at the Mental Health Institute in Independence for many years. Bob was a life member of the American Psychiatric Association. He retired from practice in 1997.
Bob enjoyed 'saving the world' by playing video games. In his younger years he enjoyed many games and sports'especially duplicate bridge, tennis, rowing, and golf. He loved telling stories, sharing his experiences, and imparting his wisdom. Bob cherished spending time with his family.
On November 4, 1978, Bob married Joan Zeller at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. They enjoyed raising their daughter, Jennifer, and sharing 40 years together.
Special thanks to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice of Mercy caregivers and staff for their compassionate care.
May your memories of Bob be a blessing to you.
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Joan and Family, We were deeply saddened to read of your recent loss of such a loved one. We send our prayers and sincere condolences to you and your fine family. Judy and Bill Carmichael, West Okoboji, IA.
We were sad to see your loss of Bob. Please accept our condolences. Be proud of his contributions to the community as a medical professional as well as loving husband and father. John and Judy Bryant
My condolences to Bob Ortega’s Family. In this hour of pain it’s the memories of your loved on that keeps you going during this time of sadness. May you find comfort in the memories as you remember your loved one, note that God can give you the strength to cope even with death. (Philippians 4:13) May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief in the days to come.
Joan and all the Ortega family. Please accept my sincere condolences on Bob’ death. May you find comfort in having shared his life and continuing contact with him through your memories of him. My thoughts are with you at this time. John Rogers.
Dear Joan and Jennifer, my deepest condolences to you on your loss of your husband and father. Rest assured that he is in your hearts each and every day. God bless you today and in the days to come. Your friend, Janice Lincoln.
Our sympathy to the Ortega family.
Bob was a dedicated psychiatrist whose hard work in mental health touched many lives. Al and I have fond memories of Bob’s story telling and his cheerful attitude when tackling tough problems. Our sympathies. Dr. Alan and Mona Whitters
The “Big Guy” was one of a kind! He was SO interesting to talk to and always had a 40,000 foot view of everyday life and observations that always made me think about things in a way I would have never have thought otherwise. Full of gentle wisdom and humor. One of the most humble and self deprecating men I’ll ever have the privilege of spending time with. One of my favorite memories is when Jim and I went to see the new house he and Joan had built and our daughter Allison was about three. Allison was fixated on turning a light switch on, then off, on, then off. As a mother I was mortified at her behavior. The Big Guy was so chill, and simply said (in his Cuban accent of course), “Oh, you know it’s okay, it gives her so much power”. Who says that? It put me at such ease. Simple story, but it’s stuck with me all these years and just an example of how he never let the little things rattle him. For all who knew this beautiful old soul, consider yourself a lucky person! God bless the entire Ortega family. Grandpa Bob will be missed. Lana Ortega.
Joan, sorry I couldn’t attend the visitation due to another commitment. My condolences for your loss of your loved one. Doc was special and I respected and enjoyed working with him at the hospital and the mental health center. Take care of yourself and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Sue (Rehak) Blome.
Dear Joan & Jennifer, so sorry to hear about Bob. We are sorry to have missed his visitation as we were in CO. We have many memories of spending time wth Bob.In our thoughts and prayers.