Jose (Joe) Garza

GARZA – Jose (Joe) L. Garza, aged 92 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016. He was the son of Higenio and Nestora Lopez Garza and was born on January 31, 1924 in San Juan, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Herlinda Garza; son, Joseph L. Miller; sisters, Eluteria (Alfredo) Herrera of Fennville, MI and Gertrudes (Antonio) Garcia of Holland, MI. Joe is survived by his children, Lupita (Rodney) Beach, Cipriano Carrasco and Reyes Carrasco; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sister, Micaela Martinez of La Feria, TX; and numerous nephews and nieces who live throughout the U.S. He was loved and will be greatly missed by his family near and far. Joe moved to Grand Rapids in 1946 after serving his country, first in the Civilian Conservation Corp and then in the U.S. Army where he saw action on the European front during World War II. For 42 years Joe was employed and retired from General Motors – 36^th St. Plant. An avid gardener, Joe loved working in his yard and spending time with his family. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Saturday at 11:00 am at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 225 – 32^nd St. SW, Wyoming with Rev. Steven Cron, celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo SE on Friday from 5:30 – 7:30 pm and also on Saturday from 10 am until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Michigan.