Juan Manuel Ortiz-Monasterio Jr.

Juan Manuel Ortiz-Monasterio, Jr. passed away peacefully in Long Grove, Illinois on December 22, 2024 at the age of 94 surrounded by his daughters. Juan was was born on August 27, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Juan Manuel and Carlota Isabel Ortiz-Monasterio, Sr. After the death of his mother in 1939, Juan spent several years at boarding school in Salisbury, Connecticut before moving with his family to his father’s hometown, Mexico City. Despite not being obligated for the draft due to living outside the U.S., Juan felt a duty to his birth country and volunteered to serve with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, Juan attended the University of Texas, receiving a Business Administration degree in 1959. He worked in the insurance and investment industries in Miami, Puerto Rico and Mexico City, spending the vast majority of his career in Houston. Upon retirement he moved to Florida, Virginia and finally Illinois. Juan was a man of deep faith, a devout Catholic, serving as a Deacon and an usher at Holy Ghost Church. He was a fiercely proud Longhorn, following his UT football team until just days prior to passing. Juan coached his son’s football teams and served as a Y Indian Guide leader. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving for decades on the Calf Scramble, International and Speakers Committees to help raise scholarship funds. In his leisure time, Juan was most happy with a fishing rod or a crabbing net in his hands. He loved classical and jazz music, particularly Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Loving father of Jeanie, Juan Manuel “John” III (Elizabeth), Andrew, Ana (Vince) and Mary (Alex). Grandfather to Catherine (Cameron), Rankin, Christina (Luke), Michael and John. Great grandfather to Bennett and Natalie. Brother to Carlota (Ragland), Roberto, Laura, Sandra (Javier) and Felipe (Gabriela). Uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews. Juan was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Carlota, Roberto and Laura and son Juan Manuel III. Funeral Mass - January 10, 2025 Visitation: 3:30 Mass: 4:30 Jesse Brown VA Hospital, Chapel On the first floor of Bed Pavilion B 820 S. Damen Chicago, IL Highly recommend using the Ogden Avenue entrance, across the driveway circle from the parking garage. Email anadraa81@gmail.com if you need further directions. https://www.va.gov/files/2021-08/Jesse_Brown_Floor_1_Map_508.pdf All funeral guests are invited to join the family for dinner after the service at the Union League Club in the Heritage Room. 65 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL Due to the funeral being held in the VA Hospital chapel, the family is unable to accept flowers for the service. They request those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to one of Juan’s favorite charities in his memory: Holy Ghost Catholic Church: Under giving menu, please choose Donation (specify in comments); For Holy Ghost School, in memory of Juan M. O. Monasterio Jr. https://holyghostchurch.net/give-online Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Memorial Education Fund: In memory of Juan M. O. Monasterio Jr., recognition sent to Ana Draa, 872 S. Milwaukee Ave. #202, Libertyville, IL 60048 https://secure.rodeohouston.com/Donate/?code=MemorialFund Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville, IL. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Juan Manuel Ortiz-Monasterio Jr.

August 27, 1930 - December 22, 2024