Jesus Cortez Ozuna

In loving memory of Jesus Alfonso Cortez Ozuna - Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather.

Alfonso "Al" Cortez left us to join our Heavenly Father on November 3, 2024. Alfonso was born on September 17, 1944, to Enriqueta Ozuna Palafox and Alfonso Cortez Gonzales in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. At the age of 10 years old, Alfonso's father passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. With the knowledge that his young family would have a better life in the United States, Alfonso's father arranged for them to be sponsored by the Sorenson Family in Salt Lake City, Utah. Alfonso and his mother arrived in the United States on March 14, 1954.

On April 18, 1965, Alfonso's mother married William "Bill" Schock, and the three were joined together as a family. Alfonso grew up in the Salt Lake City area and graduated from West High School. During that time, he was a paraprofessional dancer with the Folklorico Dance Group with the Salt Lake Mexican Civic Center where his favorite dance partner was Virginia Marrufo.

Alfonso attended Salt Lake Community College to obtain a degree in Engineering. He worked as a Surveyor and Engineering Planning Designer for the Utah Department of Transportation for 11 years. During his tenure, he worked on the specifications for I-215. He owned and operated several businesses including The Foxy Lady, Purple Motion, Chance's Lounge, and Blue Rock Tavern. He later became a well-respected Restaurant Manager and Director of Fine Dining at multiple prestigious restaurants in Utah including The Hilton Inn, Mulboon's, The 13th Floor, as well as the Peppermill Resorts in Nevada. In his later years, he worked as a manager for Utah Public Auto Auction and Brasher's Salt Lake Auto Auction. As a business owner and manager, Alfonso was loved and admired by his customers and colleagues.

Alfonso was an avid poker player. With his sense of humor and friendly banter, he was sure to keep the poker room full of action well into the night. Alfonso had a passion for collecting cars; his children lovingly referred to his collection as "Al's Car Lot."

Alfonso met Bernice Winger in 2003 when he sold her a Ford Bronco that may or may not have needed some "TLC". Together, they enjoyed 20 years of love, companionship, and laughter before they married on May 2, 2023.

Alfonso was so much more than a college student, a business owner, a restaurant manager, and a poker player. He was a kind and generous man who would help anyone in need, even if it was just listening, or offering fatherly advice. He will be remembered by all that knew him as a true friend, a loving husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a cousin. He will surely be missed by all that that loved him.

Alfonso is survived by his wife Bernice Cortez, previous wife Leanora Cortez and their children: Robert Cortez (Mischante), Jesse Cortez, and Lorie Cortez, previous wife Katherine Irwin and their children: Anthony Cortez (Amanda) and Daniel Ramsey (Dawn), son Shaun Murdock, many grandchildren, great- grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, stepfather, brother Alfonso Cortes Escopinichi, daughter Mary Loretta Cortez, grandson Jamie Madrill, and granddaughter Katarina Rose Cortez.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, with Funeral Services following from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home, located at 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Graveside Services and Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery located at 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alfonso's children would like to express their immense gratitude to his wife Bernice for her years of loving care and dedication to their father, and a special thanks to Gabriel Sanchez for the time and care he provided as well.