Benjamin Timothy Ortiz

Benjamin Timothy Ortiz, 27, transitioned from the physical world on July 12th, 2022 in Denver, CO.

Ben was born on September 6, 1994 in Morris, IL. He graduated from Immaculate Conception and Morris Community High Schools in Morris and Lake Forest College. After college, the mountains and nature called him, and he moved to Denver, CO. At the time of his passing, Ben worked for a technology company, Sumo Logic.

While in Colorado, he developed a passion for snow skiing. Being in the mountains, especially with his beloved dog Carl, was where he was happiest. He loved music and made many friends who shared that same love. Over the years, Ben attended countless concerts and music festivals.

Ben cared deeply about the world and had immense concern for the problems people face. He was compassionate and reached out to those less fortunate, listening to them and shouldered their challenges.

From the time he was one year old, Ben had a basketball in his hand. It didn’t matter if it was a pick-up game with his friends or a competitive travel game, Ben played with integrity. His love for the game took him to Lake Forest College, where he was on the basketball team.

Being “Uncle Ben,” was one of his favorite roles. He loved all four of his nieces (Addisen & Erin Woolsey, Quinn & Charlie Hershman) and nephew (Miles Woolsey). He was an excellent uncle to them, even while living across the country.

Ben had an exceptionally large, tight-knit friend group, and many of them have been friends since preschool. Even though they ended up all over the country, their strong friendship never waivered. They always made a point to get together, and there was never a shortage of laughter and banter.

Ben is survived by his parents, Dr. Tim and Karen Ortiz (Morris, IL), sister Laurie (Geno) Woolsey (Mahomet, IL), sister Taylor (Sean) Hershman (Downers Grove, IL), nieces & nephew, Addisen, Miles, Erin Woolsey and Quinn & Charlie Hershman, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his loyal dog, Carl. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dr. Phil & Gay Ortiz, maternal grandparents, Raymond Enger, Eileen & Homer Bradley, Uncle Jim Enger, Great-Uncle Donnie Daily, and friend Kyale Brown.

The family is planning to honor Ben’s life at the Morris Country Club on Sunday, July 31st, at 1:00 PM. There will be a scholarship created in Ben’s name to be awarded to either a player on the varsity basketball team or a student pursuing a career/education in technology. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations towards this scholarship can be made to the family.

Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St., in Morris is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call the funeral home at 815-942-0700 or sign the online guestbook at www.frulandfuneralhome.com .