Mario Michael Garcia

Mario Michael Garcia II, (Michael) but most popularly known as Dago Mike (short for San Diego Mike) of Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 11, 2020 at the age of 48. Michael was a proud Hispanic and (Aleut) Native American whose presence was bigger than life. He could make anybody laugh, was the life of the party, the biggest kid and had a seemingly unlimited and diversified amount of talents. Dago never met a stranger. He loved music, art, tattooing, dogs, drinks, skateboarding, hugs, laughter, toys, creating, collecting and life itself. He also loved ALL of his many, many friends but most of all, his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his birth father, Mario Michael Garcia; who passed before he was born, his beloved mother, Deborah Garcia, as well as his father in law Michael Guizzetti, all of his grandparents, and many treasured friends.

Michael's legacy lives on in his family; his devoted soulmate and wife Jen, his children; Rianna (of San Diego), Alex, Makayla, and McClaine, who are his proudest achievements. The only father he ever knew, Ed Auciello, his sister, Suzanne and their brothers Jason W and Heat, nieces and nephews; Eddie, Tyler, Olivia and Ocean. He has countless cousins, aunts, uncles and friends living with the memories of him.

Michael was born in San Diego on October 31st, 1972 where he grew up with his mother and sister. They moved around a lot and ended up living from coast to coast. Michael always found comfort in his art and found his passion for tattooing while still in San Diego before joining his sister in Des Moines, at 24, to make a better life for himself. It was hard work but he quickly became known as Dago Mike while still working odd jobs before he could actually get into the tattoo industry. His talent was undeniable and he gained a lot of attention so once he got his shot, there was no stopping him. He had his own tattoo studio, BLVD INK (Ankeny), and his music business, BLVD Agency, in less than a decade of moving to Iowa. He used his business as a platform for fundraisers, and to raise awareness for Autism, among other things. He was the epitome of a rockstar and loved every minute of it. His art lives on the bodies of many friends, family and some celebrities as well.

He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, but also a loyal friend to many he loved. He had an infectious personality and a big heart of gold. To know him was to love him. He will be sorely missed by so many.

A visitation is scheduled for 11 AM to 8 PM on November 22nd, at Hamilton’s funeral home on 121 NW 60th Ave in Des Moines, Iowa.

Flowers, donations, and condolences may be offered at visitation. Thank you.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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