Gerardo Ortiz-Gonzalez

Gerardo Ortiz-Gonzalez, age 58, passed away on December 3, 2020 at the Bronson hospital in Kalamazoo, surrounded virtually by his family and closest friends. He was born on January 2, 1962 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, the son of Luis and Sofia. He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Yolanda Ugalde Chavez, on July 24, 1987.

Gerardo was passionate about learning. He had a bachelor’s degree in Food Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Food Science & Technology from ITESM (Monterrey Institute of Technology).  He earned his Ph. D. in Food Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on a Fulbright Scholarship.

He worked for over twenty years as a full-time professor in several recognized universities in Mexico.  He was a sought-after teacher who enjoyed mentoring students, many of which are currently in executive positions for multi-national companies in Europe, the United States, and across Latin America.

Gerardo started working for Kellogg Mexico in 2010.  He worked across Latin America developing products in Ready-to-Eat Cereals, snacks, and beverages, many of which are still in the marketplace.  In 2016, he transferred to the W.K. Kellogg Institute in Battle Creek, Michigan where he worked in Global Innovation and Nutrition, supporting European projects. His most recent R&D contributions were for the North America Ready-to-Eat Cereal Category. He was recognized for his technical expertise, critical thinking, and relentless ability to solve challenging problems.

A loving husband, father, brother and friend, he was our hero.  He taught us to work hard and fight for our dreams, think for ourselves and ALWAYS do the right thing & go the extra mile. He was a great mentor and enjoyed teaching. He taught us to enjoy even the simplest things and to always love and respect nature. He enjoyed sports and promoted a healthy lifestyle. He was a great chef, philosopher and had wonderful taste in music. He touched many hearts with his kindness and humility, his devotion to helping others and his desire to leave the world better than it was before.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Sofía, and his sister, Sofía.  He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Yolanda (Yolis), their four children, Yolanda (Rodrigo), Gerardo, Sofía Patricia (Angel), and José Luis.

He will be deeply missed, but he will live in our hearts forever.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 703 Capital Avenue, SW, Battle Creek with the Rosary to be recited and live streamed at 7:00 pm.  Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 am Thursday, December 10, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek with Reverend  Father José Haro, celebrant.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Battle Creek. www.henryfuneralhome.org