John Garcia

John Joseph Garcia, affectionately known as "Wishbone," passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 9th 2024, in St. Paul, MN, at the age of 74.

John is survived by his daughters Michelle Garcia-Strait (James) and Vicki Garcia (Seville); grandchildren, Reina Garcia, Jordan Strait, Alex Garcia, Javen Strait, Dion Garcia-Starr, Savon Garcia-Starr, and Josiah Strait; and great-grandchildren Satiza Garcia-Anderson, Andres Garcia-Moore, Delany Ryan, Savon Garcia-Starr Jr., Pharaoh Garcia-Starr, Taeon Garcia-Starr, Kezion Garcia-Starr, Alaya Garcia-Starr and Amor Garcia-Starr. He is also survived by his siblings Augustine Garcia, Leonard Garcia (Barb), Frances Dominguez (Frank), Mary Ramirez (Tomas), Richard Garcia (Linda), and Joseph Garcia (Christine); his Aunt Mary Martinez, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Trinidad and Elenor Garcia and his sister Anita Sierra.

John was born on February 24, 1950, in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Archbishop Brady High School in 1969 and later attended technical college, where he played basketball. In 1971, John began his career as a pipefitter at Koch Refinery and became a proud union member. He was a respected and cherished member of the West Side community of St. Paul.

John's daughters remember him as a loving father who encouraged them to follow their dreams and strive to be the best women they could be. He was passionate about Tejano music, family, and sharing good meals. He loved watching the Vikings, traveling to visit family, and being surrounded by his grandchildren. Known for his generosity and wit, John was someone everyone could rely on. He was also an active and devout member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and the Men's Club and was honored as a member of the Knights of Columbus. The community feels a little less strong without him, but his memory and impact will live on in all of us.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Simple Traditions by Bradshaw, 488 Humboldt Ave., St. Paul, Minnesota. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 401 Concord Street, St. Paul, MN 55107. A visitation will begin one hour prior. A burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave. S, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. Join us for a reception, after the interment, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.