Joaquin Martinez Ortega Jr.

New Iberia– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mr. Joaquin Martinez Ortega Jr., 68, on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:00AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with Fr. Keith Landry officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Mausoleum in Jeanerette.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 4:00PM until 9:00PM, and resume on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 8:00AM until the time of the service. A Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus in the funeral home on Sunday evening at 7:00PM.

A native of Jeanerette and resident of New Iberia, Mr. Ortega passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Joaquin was a draftsman for over 30 years in the agriculture industry, designing sugarcane carts and two row harvesters. He also designed the boilers at the sugarcane mills. He was a member of the 3 ^rd degree and 4 ^th degree Knights of Columbus. He began his service in the Knights in Jeanerette before transferring to the New Iberia Chapter. In his free time, Joaquin enjoyed fishing and hunting.  Joaquin obtained his private pilot license in the late 70’s and took to the sky.  He loved flying and would often be accompanied by his girlfriend and future wife, Betty Derouen Ortega. Joaquin was a man of faith and family, and adored the time spent with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Betty Derouen Ortega of New Iberia; two sons, Daniel Ortega of New Iberia, Timothy Ortega of New Iberia; grandchildren, Abby Elizabeth Gaspard, Fallon Marie Ortega, Aria Rose Ortega, and Blaine Steven Ortega; nieces, Kayla Wiggins(Peter) of Slidell, Catherine Derouen of New Iberia, Noel Derouen(Richard) of Charenton; nephew, Christian Derouen of New Iberia; great nephew, Aidan Derouen of New Iberia; great niece, Ivy Ayanna Derouen of New Iberia; godson, Phillip Landry of Parks; brother-in-law, Dean Derouen and wife Stephanie of Charenton; sisters-in-law, Della Derouen of Franklin, Hollis Derouen of New Iberia; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joaquin Cortez Ortega Sr. and Juventina Martinez Ortega; uncles, Diego Cortez Ortega, Sr., Inez “Joe” Cortez Ortega, and Anthony “Tony” Cortez Ortega; aunts, Amelia Ortega, Lita Ortega; in-laws, Antoine Derouen Sr. and Betty Hebert Derouen; and brother-in-law, Antoine Derouen Jr.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Daniel and Timothy Ortega, Christian Derouen, Phillip Landry, Richard McGoff and Vincent Louviere. Honorary Pallbearer will be Dean Derouen.

The family would like to thank the Iberia Medical Center ICU staff for all of their care and compassion.

Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org

David Funeral Home of New Iberia, 1101 Trotter St. 337-369-6336 is in charge of arrangements.