Gilberto Ontiveros

Born on October 13, 1945, to Antonio Ontiveros and Carlota Treviño in the rural town of Cienega de Flores, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, he was the third of six siblings. At a very early age, the family moved to San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon, near the Big city of Monterrey. He suffered from various ailments that limited his ability to enjoy childhood activities, especially futbol which he loved so much. For several years, he remained ill but eventually gained strength and was able to play with his brothers and his childhood friend, Armando Treviño. He earned the nickname 'Steamroller' for his relentless style of play, plowing through anyone in his path.

In 1964, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois, where they achieved the American Dream. However, adjusting to life in the United States was challenging in many ways, particularly culturally.

Around the same time, the Treviño family with Isidoro and Evangelina as parents, also relocated to Chicago, continuing both families' friendships that had begun many years earlier in Cienega. Both families began building their new lives in the Windy City. By coincidence, Dad and Orelia, the eldest of the Treviño daughters, worked at the same company. They would often pass each other in the hallways, and Dad, wanting to catch her attention, would whistle a tune. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The attraction was mutual, and soon, they fell in love.

Their love story began in those hallways and culminated in their marriage on July 14, 1968. Over the years, they were blessed with three children, many grandchildren, sons- and daughters-in-law, and great-grandchildren.

He was a hardworking steelworker at a large steel mill for 17 years. Whether in below-freezing temperatures or scorching heat in front of blazing furnaces, he endured grueling 16-hour shifts. Despite the exhausting work, he always made time to stop on the way home to pick up a gallon of milk, donuts, and long johns for him, his wife and the kids to enjoy. He was a man that would sit with his kids to enjoy Saturday Morning Cartoons. Looney Tunes with the Roadrunner and the Coyote to be his favorite.

Over the years, the family faced many ups and downs, living in various cities such as Chicago, Hammond, Indiana, San Nicolás de los Garza, where he and Mom built their dream house. They later settled in Houston and Sugar Land, continuing their journey together.

He loved his family deeply and always provided the best for all of us. A hard worker, he gave his all in everything he did, setting a great example for his children. Known for his punctuality, he never liked being late or underdressed for any occasion. He would often rattle his car keys up and down, making sure we were all in the car on time!

He had a passion for travel and cherished the opportunity to visit many places in his beloved Mexico. One of his proudest moments was fulfilling his wife’s lifelong dream of visiting Europe, a trip they made alongside Moms youngest brother Sergio and Josie Treviño.

Above all, he taught his children important life values: to love God first, accept and follow Jesus, respect their mother, help those in need, and always remain humble.

The accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren felt as if they were his own. He was always immensely proud of each and every one of us. Life had been challenging for him from the start. In his late 30s, he suffered a near-paralyzing accident, enduring a series of five back surgeries. He battled diabetes, which proved to be a constant struggle, and heart disease, leading to open-heart surgery with a triple bypass in 2000. Through it all, God gave him the strength to persevere.

On Friday, September 20, 2024, he fought his final battle with life and ascended to be with his Savior, now living his eternal life free from pain and suffering. It is now our duty to honor his life with faith, so we may be with him again when we are called.

Love you, Dad.

A visitation for Gilberto will be held on Wednesday, September 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 South Kirkwood Road in Stafford, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 4:00 p.m. also in the chapel at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service.

Friends are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Gilberto during a reception to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25 in the event room at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home .