Jose C. "Big Joe" Garza's Obituary
Mr. Jose C. “Big Joe” Garza, age 82, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at a local nursing home. Mr. Garza was born July 10, 1928 to Jose and Guadalupe (Pereida) Garza in Brownsville, Texas. On May 26, 1950 he married the former Aurora B. Aguirre and she preceded him in death on October 24, 1996. Mr. Garza was employed at Brunswick Corporation as a Bowling Ball Molder for 38 years retiring in 1983. He was a member of St. Jean’s Catholic Church where he was involved in the Hispanic Festival and he also attended St. Thomas Catholic Church. Joe was a former president of the Latin American Club. He enjoyed playing pool, and selling items at the local flea market that he brought back from his many trips to Texas. He is survived by his children, Kay (David) Nummerdor and Ben (Jerri) Garza of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Manuel and Raul Garza of California and Lee Garza of Muskegon; 1 sister, Alice Hornick of Florida; special friend, Virginia Palen; special niece, Helen Saldivar; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joe Garza in 2001; nephew, Ricardo Saldivar; brothers, Celso and Roberto Garza and sister, Juanita Garza. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11:00 AM Monday, August 16, 2010 at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue 231 726-5210 with Rev. Fr. Aaron R. Ferris presiding. Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION will be 2-5 PM on Sunday with the rosary being prayed at 4:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Services Appeal or Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan.
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