Robert G. "Viva" Valdez, 64, of Ottawa passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 23, 2021. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Saturday, October 30 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 pm, Friday, October 29 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with prayers at 2:45 pm. Due to CDC guidelines, masks or face coverings will be required. 

Viva was born on June 22, 1957 to Ernest "Ernie" and Hortencia "Tencha" (Garza) Valdez. He was born and raised in Ottawa, and graduated from Ottawa Township High School. He retired as a laborer from Local 393 and LaSalle County.

Viva was the kind of person you could always count on; if you needed a good laugh, a helping hand, a new nickname, or an ice cold Busch, he was your guy. He was a jack of all trades, and if he didn't know how to fix something, he knew someone who could. Viva was a master of laughter. He had a joke for every situation and loved making everyone laugh. 

Viva was a lover of all things outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed playing a good game of horseshoes, bags, and golf. He was a fan of Pink Floyd and the Chicago Cubs. He was a member of the VFW, Sons of the American Legion, the Moose Lodge, and a past member of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Pamela Wright; four children, Jacqlyn (Shane) Jonassen, Bobbi Jo (Peter) Mayszak, Jesse Lofthouse, and Cassi Jo (Michael Russell) Valdez, all of Ottawa; two step-daughters, Laura (Nicholas) McLaughlin of Tonica and Amy (Matt Schiefelbein) Lenhausen of Ottawa; five grandkids, Darbi Leipold, Gavin and Rainee Jonassen, Jackson and Nora Mayszak; his siblings, Tommy (Becky) Valdez of Mendota, Rudy Valdez of Ottawa, and Elsa (Steve) Martuzzo of Pontiac; his two pups, Milo and Sadie; and tons of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Jessica in infancy; and his siblings, Beatrice Contreras, Benito, Jimmy, Freddy, David, Ruben, and Richard "Ziggy" Valdez. 

Pallbearers will be Tommy Contreras, Johnny Contreras, Jacob Gray, Benny Santoy, Michael Russell, Shane Jonassen, Peter Mayszak, and Nicholas McLaughlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Lloyd Ludwig, Tom Stillwell, Steve Loughridge, Bill Weygand, David "Eli" Elias, and Matt Schiefelbein. 

Memorials may be directed to his family.