John Ignatius Cortez

John Ignatius Cortez, 82, of Cheyenne passed away Monday, August 4, 2025. He was born December 3, 1942, in Laramie, Wyoming, the third oldest of nine children to Juan and Ofelia (Martinez) Cortez. He graduated from Laramie High School in 1961, during high school, he met Leona DeHerrera, and they married on April 18, 1964, in Laramie.

John retired as an Engineer from Mountain Bell/US West after nearly 30 years. He enjoyed traveling, and spending time with his grandkids & great grandkids, and woodworking. He and Leona enjoyed attending Wyoming Cowboy football and basketball games in Laramie and around the country.

John is survived by his sons, Paul (Dawn) and Scott of Cheyenne, Terence “Terry” (Cathy) of Bolingbrook, IL, three grandchildren, Jennifer & Tyler (Grace) Cortez & Taylor (Josh) Fearing; four great-granddaughters, Arabella & Avery Cortez and Louisa & Emilia Fearing; and siblings, Ruben Cortez of Laramie & Teri (Pat) Weber of Broomfield. John is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Sylvia Jones, Mildred Cortez & Gregorita “Gogi” Knowlton; brothers Randy, Jose “Tabby” & Paul, sister-in-law Christie Cortez and brothers-in-law, Doug Jones & John Knowlton.

A Vigil for the Deceased will be held Wednesday, August 13, 5:00 pm, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes. A Funeral Liturgy will be held Thursday, August 14, 10:30 am, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. A private burial service will be held on Friday, August 15 in Laramie, Wyoming.

Condolences may be made to the family online by going to www.wrcfuneral.com .

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, 206 Van Lennen, Cheyenne, 82007 or to the Cheyenne Cancer Center via the CRMC Foundation, Cheyenne.