Dennis Arguelles Orteza's Obituary
Dennis Arguelles Orteza, 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Tacoma, Washington, on October 28, 2025.
Dennis (pronounced “deen-is”) was born on May 30, 1961, at Madigan Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington, to his proud parents, Dionisio and Leonida Orteza. He lived his entire life in the family home he cared for with great pride. Dennis completed his education in Tacoma, graduating from Henry Foss High School, followed by time spent attending Tacoma Community College. A proud lifelong bachelor, he devoted himself fully to his family—his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Known as the handyman’s handyman and a true jack of all trades, Dennis went by many names: “Dennis,” “Dean,” and, most affectionately, “Uncle Buddy.” True to his many names, Dennis was whoever and whatever anyone needed—whenever they needed it. He worked for 35 years at Benik Corporation, where he became a vital part of the company’s growth, doing whatever was required and defining his role by sheer dedication and versatility.
Dennis was an extraordinarily skilled woodworker, and his craftsmanship was woven throughout every part of his life and work. When family or friends would ask, “Can you build this?” his trademark replies—“I think so” or “Shouldn’t be a problem”— to Dennis, it meant “challenge accepted.” Every project he created held meaning, intention, and the signature of his meticulous hand.
Equally passionate about landscaping and gardening, Dennis took great pride in maintaining both the family home in Tacoma and the family cabin in Yelm. Under his care, both properties stood out as gems in their neighborhoods. His carefully tended rose gardens and manicured yards drew admiration from family, friends, neighbors—and even the mailman and garbage man. Dennis’ legendary green thumb was undeniable.
Dennis loved to cook and the meals he prepared were always the center of family occasions and various celebrations. At gatherings, especially those held at his home, you would undoubtedly find Dennis in the kitchen preparing dishes that he often started days before. It was a badge of honor to be trusted by Dennis to work alongside him in the kitchen – positions he would most often reserve for his nieces and nephews who would benefit from the constant “taste tests”. His cooking was often paired with listening to sports on the kitchen radio and playful banter of who would win and why.
A lover of skill and precision, Dennis brought the same dedication to sports. From playing football and baseball in his youth to pickup games of basketball and matches of tennis, he eventually found his greatest passion in golf. Sports appealed to Dennis for the same reason woodworking, gardening, and cooking did—success came from patience, precision, and practice. This quiet philosophy was his personal approach to life and a philosophy he passed on to his nieces and nephews.
Dennis is survived by his devoted parents, Dionisio and Leonida Orteza; his siblings, David Orteza, Daniel Orteza, Loida Abando, and Douglas Orteza; and his nieces and nephews: Ramon, Jeremy, LeAna, Lexi, Linzee, Rylee, and Jaeden. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Dionisio “Junior” Orteza. His love and legacy live on in those who knew him best.
A visitation will be held on November 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington. A funeral service will take place on November 20 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service and a reception onsite, where family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Dennis’ life and memory.
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