Ricardo Luis Ortiz

With profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Ricardo Luis Ortiz, age 57, of Port Washington. On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Ricardo passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones after a four-year battle with cancer.

Ricardo was born on April 13, 1969, in Milwaukee to Jorge and Brigida (nee Alvardo) Ortiz.  Together they had five children: Jorge, Ada, Aida, Ednan and Ricardo.  Ricardo grew up in Milwaukee, Wis. He attended Solomon Juneau High School, graduating with the Class of 1987.   

After graduation, Ricardo was employed as a ramp agent with Eastern Airlines. After Eastern Airlines’ dissolution in 1991, Ricardo went into the manufacturing industry, working in various positions at Tramont Corp., Custom Tank Technology, Kohler Co., Mayville Engineering, Manitowoc Cranes and KMC Stampings in Port Washington.

On June 18, 1999, Ricardo was united in marriage to Sheri Klahn. They bought their first home in Wauwatosa, Wis., then moved to Griffin, Ga., for two years.  After moving back to Wisconsin, they found their home in Port Washington, where together they built a wonderful life raising their children Hayden and Gabrielle. Ricardo and Sheri were married for 26 years.

Ricardo came from a large, close-knit family and always made family a priority.  His favorite activities included game nights, grilling, bonfires and playing cornhole in the summertime. He also enjoyed bike riding, going for walks and attending the kids’ extracurricular activities throughout the years. Ricardo was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following all Wisconsin teams, especially the Packers and Brewers.

Over the years, the Ortiz family took several vacations together and enjoyed exploring new destinations. The last vacation they took together was a Caribbean cruise in January. It was Ricardo’s wish to be able to enjoy one last vacation with his family, despite his ongoing illness.

Ricardo is lovingly survived by his wife Sheri, his sons Nicolas and Hayden and daughter Gabrielle. He is further survived by his mother Brigida Ortiz, his sisters Ada (Luis) Rivera and Aida Ortiz and his brother Jorge (Donna) Ortiz, along with many other cherished relatives and dear friends.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his father Jorge Ortiz, his brother Ednan (Nandy) Ortiz, his father-in-law Norman Klahn, his cousin Luz Ortiz-Carby and great-nephew Noéh Felix Rivera.

A memorial service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, Wis. The family will greet visitors from 3 p.m. until the service.

Interment will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 3801 W. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, Wis.

Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.