Joseph Ortega Castanon

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, June 12, 2022. He was 77 years old. Joseph Ortega Castanon was born on March 19, 1945 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Juan and Socorro (Ortega) Castanon. He was a 1963 graduate of Saginaw High School. Joe proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army serving from October 1, 1966, until his honorable discharge on August 5, 1971, receiving many awards and commendations. He was married to the love of his life for 51 years, Margaret Irene Castillo on November 2, 1968 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Saginaw; she preceded him in death on December 27, 2020. Joe was employed with General Motors Steering Gear as a tool cutter and grinder with over 35 years of loyal and dedicated service before he retired. He also was employed as a transport driver with Garber for 20 years. Joe enjoyed going to the casino and traveling with his wife Margaret. He was meticulous and took great pride in maintaining his yard, passing this on to his sons. Above all he treasured and cherished all family gatherings and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Joe left his indelible mark on this world through his selflessness to those he loved, for his kind and giving heart, and for truly living a remarkable life filled with many wonderful memoires and stories.

Surviving are two sons: Steven (Trina) Castanon of Chesaning; Matthew (Tammie) Castanon of Saginaw Township; eight grandchildren: Justin Castanon, Alaedra Castanon, Taylor Castanon, Hope Castanon, Molly Castanon, Randi O'Connor, Mariah Espinoza, and Jeremiah Thorpe; four great-grandchildren: Conner Castanon, Kaiden O'Connor, Aleena O'Conner, Rocky Donaldson IV; mother-in-law, Rose Castillo of Saginaw Township; four sisters and one brother: Jovita Isquierdo of Denver, CO; Ida (Frank) Rocha of Saginaw; Elena (David) Ortiz of Saginaw; Cristina Castanon of San Antonio, TX; Trinidad (Betty) Castanon of Round Rock, TX; one stepsister and two stepbrothers: Yolanda (Barney) Guzman; John Castanon, and Armando (Sylvia) Castanon all of Saginaw; many special nieces and nephews shared a special bond with Joe, especially Margaret Salazar of Saginaw. Also surviving are many extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Castanon; son, Eric Allen Castanon; parents, Juan and Socorro Castanon; three brothers and two sisters: Vincent, Arthur, and Richard Castanon and Nancy Fulgencio.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Road. Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Joe will lie in state at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #22. Honoring Joe's wishes cremation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.