Dr. Jack Douglas Ortego, Sr.

Dr. Jack Douglas Ortego, Sr., passed away at his residence on Sunday, February 18, 2024.  He was born on September 20, 1944, in Ville Platte, Louisiana, Dr. Ortego leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to public service and tireless dedication to various organizations throughout his lifetime. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Opelousas, La. on Thursday, February 22, 2024.  Monsignor Russell Harrington will Celebrate the Mass.   

Pallbearers will be Andre Link, Addison Link, Garret Miller, Landon Miller, Seth Miller and Luke Ortego. 

Dr. Ortego's career was marked by a deep sense of civic duty and a passion for education. He was a professor at Southwestern Louisiana “UL” and LSU.  He served on the St. Landry Parish School Board from 1982 to 1986, where he held influential positions such as Vice President, Chairman of the Academic Committee, and Elected Legislative Liaison Person. His contributions extended beyond the realm of education as he actively participated in numerous community organizations including the Advisory Committee at the TH Harris Campus, the Louisiana School Board Association, the Governors Industrial Relations Committee in 1987 and the Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce.  He also was president of the LSU Dairy Alumni Association and the Louisiana Dairy Festival Association, a Member of the Board of Directors of LSU College of Agriculture Alumni, Chairman of the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, and a Charter Member of the Grand Prairie Volunteer Fire Department.  

Apart from his professional achievements, Dr. Ortego was known for his love of LSU sports, fishing, hunting, and caring for his cattle. He was a dedicated family man and a pillar of support for his loved ones.

Dr. Ortego is survived by his loving wife Sheral Ortego of 60 years; his children, Gregory Ortego and wife, Michelle, Julie Link and husband, David, Laura Miller and husband, Patrick; his grandchildren Ali Link Istre (Trevor), Andre Link (Rani), Addison Link (Nayomi), Garret Miller, Landon Miller, Seth Miller, Luke Ortego, Grace Ortego; his great-grandchild, Braxton Link; his brother, Dennis Ortego and his sister, Karleen Vidrine; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke Ortego and Doris Soileau Ortego and his son, Jack Douglas Ortego, Jr.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Skip Montet Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Opelousas. A Rosary Service will be prayed on Wednesday night beginning at 6:00 PM by Deacon Ulysse Joubert.  The funeral home will re-open on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 8:00 AM until service time.

Dr. Jack Douglas Ortego, Sr.'s impactful presence in both his professional endeavors and personal life will be dearly missed but never forgotten by all who had the privilege to know him. May he rest in peace as his memory lives on in the hearts of those who were touched by his kindness and dedication.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.   

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.