Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Rafael "Castro" Ornelas

Passed away on February 20, 2026


Rafael Ornelas was born on October 27, 1938, in San Antonio de Fernandez, Jalisco, Mexico, to Vicente Ornelas and María de Jesús Maciel Ornelas. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on February 20, 2026.

Rafael worked as a machine operator for The Valley Mould and Iron Corporation, where he dedicated many years of hard work. He was a man known for always staying busy, being handy, and never sitting still for long. Everyone in the neighborhood knew him, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was known for his bright smile and joyful spirit, rarely ever serious and always quick to laugh. He loved singing, storytelling, listening to music, playing dominos, and spending time in the hometown he cherished so deeply. Above all, he loved his family and found his greatest happiness in seeing everyone together. He was a devoted husband, father, and the best grandfather, creating memories filled with laughter and love.

He will also be fondly remembered for his playful habit of “stealing” his grandchildren’s belongings — from cologne to clothes and hats — and proudly claiming them as his own, something that brought laughter to everyone around him.

Rafael is survived by his loving wife, Catalina Ornelas; his children, Maricela Diaz (Jose Luis Diaz), Ernesto Ornelas (Margarita Ornelas), Guadalupe Ornelas, Rafaela Verdin (Juan Luis Verdin), Susanna Falcon (Senon H. Falcon), and Lorena Ornelas (Marco A. Aranda), late Humberto Ornelas. Cherished grandfather of 29 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Visitation Monday, March 2, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. from the Elmwood Chapel 11200 S. Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL. 60617 to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

Funeral

Prayers at Elmwood Funeral Chapel
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 9:00 am

Funeral Mass:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
3200 East 91st Street
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 10:00 am

Interment:
Holy Cross Cemetery
801 Michigan City Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60409

Visitation Location

East Side
11200 S. Ewing Ave
Chicago, IL 60617
(773) 731-2749

Map


Visitation Information

Monday, March 2, 2026 - 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Condolences
"I, Margarita Ornelas, Daughter-in-law to the late, Rafael Ornelas, give my most sincere Condolences to all of the Ornelas Family.🙏🏼🙏🏼 Rafael Ornelas, was a great father-in-law and a great grandfather to my children and to his son, Ernesto, my husband. He was always so joyful, playful, respectful, helpful, and always with a big smile on his face. I rarely, ever seen him upset or angry. He loved to joke especially, with all his grandchildren. His grandchildren also loved to play and joke around with their grandfather. He gave my children funny nicknames because he could not pronoun their names. He loved to walk and find items on the way.😊. He was well known and loved throughout our neighborhood. He will be deeply missed by his family, grandchildren and friends.❤️❤️ May, Rafael Ornelas, father-in-law, grandfather, and dad, “May his soul, Rest In Peace”🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼"
- Margarita Ornelas
February 23, 2026 10:24 pm

"Please accept my deepest sympathies during this incredibly difficult time. We are sending you our heartfelt thoughts and prayers. May you find solace in the memories you shared and the love that surrounds you. We are here for you, offering any support needed. May peace find its way to your heart."
- Teresa Gonzalez
February 24, 2026 1:01 am

"Susie, please accept my deepest condolence. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficulty time. May the peace of God that transcends all understanding comfort and provide you and the family strength. "
- Asonya Williams
February 24, 2026 11:40 am

"Susie, I am so sorry you are going through this troubled time of grief. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sending my love. "
- Jennifer Schabert
February 24, 2026 2:27 pm

Candles Lit
"Rafael Ornelas, father-in-law, grandfather, and dad.❤️❤️ May this candle be your guiding light to the Kingdom of God🙏🏼❤️❤️🙏🏼"
- Ernesto y Margarita Ornelas y Familia
February 23, 2026 10:30 pm

"You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. "
- Teresa Gonzalez
February 24, 2026 12:58 am