Dennis Cortez Obituary

"Dennis A. Cortez, 89, of Visalia, CA, entered into his eternal life on the evening of Thursday, April 13 with his devoted wife and loving family by his side. He will be missed beyond measure by his immediate family, extended relatives and long-time friends across the country. Dennis was born in Gamerco, New Mexico to Juan and Francisca Cortez on April 8, 1934. One of eight children, Dennis greatly loved and admired each of his seven siblings. The Cortez family moved to San Jose, CA in 1946 where he attended James Lick High School, competing on the football and basketball teams. Dennis spent his California summers working on a farm, folding boxes for fruit packaging. His work ethic led to a promotion to supervisor by the age of 15. After high school, Dennis attended San Jose City College for about a year before joining the US Army in 1955. Soon after completing basic training, he was on a ship bound for Korea to serve out his first deployment. However, on the way to Korea, the ship malfunctioned, forcing all on board to be re-deployed elsewhere. Dennis chose a transfer to Misawa Air Force Base in Japan. On a weekend leave, he and several friends decided to visit nearby Lake Towada. A tour bus company was contacted to provide the services. That bus ride proved to be life changing, as Dennis met a beautiful tour guide, Kyoko Iwaki. She would become his wife for the next 65 years. Dennis spent 21 years in the US Army stationed in multiple locations and serving in the Vietnam War. He earned the rank of Master Sargent before retiring in 1975. After retiring from his second career at TeleVideo in 1989, Dennis and Kyoko relocated to Visalia, CA in 1990 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In retirement, Dennis spent his time traveling with his children\u0027s families, organizing family events, raising his beloved dogs and reconnecting with old friends and extended family members. Dennis was a very loving husband and father. He taught his children to honor and respect their elders and all those they met. He took them on camping and fishing trips, teaching them how to fix things, how to mow the lawn, make the beds, and do the household chores. He was a football and baseball coach to his two sons. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William, Avelina, Frank, Rosalie, Cecilio and Pete. He is survived by his wife Kyoko; children Gilbert and wife Marilyn, Emma and husband John, David and wife Anna; grandchildren Analicia, Andrea, Melissa, John and wife Jessica, Mark and girlfriend Monique, Nathan and wife Jessilyn, great-grandchildren Angelica, Frankie, Katana, Max, Lily Bea, Tim, JD, Theo, Jocelyn, Grayson and Cassius; Great-Great-Grandson MJ Luke; Brother Tony and wife Sandy; Sister-in-Law Cha; Brother-in-Law Louie; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and his faithful companions Ginger and Jo Jo. Viewing will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Friday, May 5th, 2023 at Salser \u0026amp; Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave. , Visalia. Rosary will follow from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held 1:30 PM Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1908 N. Court St. , Visalla. Services have been entrusted to Salser \u0026amp; Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www. salseranddillard. com. "