Carlos Alvarez Sr. "Papa Welo"

Carlos "Papa Welo" Alvarez, Sr., age 73, of Portage, Indiana, passed away on February 9, 2026. He was born on July 18,1952, in Monterrey, Mexico to the late Francisco and Rosa (nee Elias) Alvarez. He retired as a steelworker from Inland Steel and also worked for Union 1010 at Cleveland-Cliffs, serving in both the line and the coke plant, where was known for his strong work ethic, reliability and dedication. A true family man, his greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, whom he loved deeply and proudly. He found happiness in the simple pleasures of life-fishing, cooking, fixing his truck, repairing anything for anyone that needed help, shopping, dancing and spending treasured time going to the flea market with his father-in-law, Papa Jim.  Carlos had a generous heart and helping hands, always ready to show up for others.

Affectionately known as "Mr. Vato" by his sons' friends, Carlos was more than a father-he was a dad to everyone, a mentor, a protector, and a steady presence in many lives.  His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew him.  Carlos will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love of family, strong work ethic, generosity, and big-hearted spirit.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Pamela C. (nee Farley) Alvarez; two sons, Carlos Alvarez, Jr. and Alejandro Alvarez; two daughters, Maria Ines (Miguel) Lopez and Nicole (Barney) Barnes; two brothers, Francisco Alvarez and Alberto (Amelia) Alvarez; sister, Juanita Rodriguez; 13 grandchildren, Cassandra, Miguel III, Nilda, Alexis, Desiree, Jasmin, Ysabel, Maribel, Anabella, Kameron, Alejandro Jr., Alejandra, and Deacon; four great grandchildren, Marcos, Sandro, Armando and Delilah; Brother-in-law, Homer Farley; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Salvador Rodriguez and sister-in-law, Sylvia Alvarez.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlos' memory, can be made to Lurie Children's Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611 or to bigdogsdontcryrescue.com

A funeral service for Carlos will be held Monday, February 16, 2026. at 6:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342. Cremation will follow. A visitation will also be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com