Daniel "Dan" Garza

Daniel “Dan” Juan Garza, 68, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, December 13, 2021, at MercyOne Hospital. He was a friend, a leader, and a true inspiration to many who knew him, especially in the Latino community. His passing is a significant loss to our Latino Community.

Dan was born October 9, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa to Guadalupe and Lucy Garza. He was a lifelong resident of the Southside and graduated from Tech High School. He worked as a pipefitter for John Deere from May 14, 1973, to July 1, 2019, United Autoworkers 450 – a dedicated union member. His social justice and civil work span 40 years. Dan was a founding member of the United Mexican American Community Center (UMACC) in the 1980s. He held many positions in his union, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission, the Southside Democratic Party, the Knights of Columbus, and many other organizations over the decades. In his spare time, he became “the crazy bus driver” for St. Anthony’s Catholic School. He was a member of Christ the King, and a faithful member of his catholic faith.

Dan was a wonderful dad and his kids’ biggest supporter. He had a booming voice that could be heard from far away either to cheer his kids on and sometimes used to embarrass them. He made his kids' professional weed pullers at a young age and always bailed them out of car troubles. He was always there for his kids and always said, “don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it.” He had told his wife that his kids were his proudest achievement in life.

He loved gardening – especially hot peppers. He used to travel to Kansas for the Mexican Fiesta to reign as the Jalapeño Pepper King. His wife and he would take drives to chase the sunset, and then enjoy ice cream. He was a true romantic sending random flowers, and dancing with his wife in the kitchen. He was a big supporter of small businesses. He didn’t know a stranger, was a good man who always had a smile on his face. He was a faithful son and caregiver to his parents. He had a passion for people that are going through life’s struggles, which is the mark of a compassionate and outstanding person. He was affectionately known as Papo to five amazing grandkids.

Dan is survived by his wife of 39 ½ years, Carleen; children, Joseph Garza, Angela (Jason Terry) Garza, and Krista (Jay) Pederson; grandchildren, Blake, Jocelyn, Sean, Isaak, and Myles; siblings, Mary Lou Garza and Marcy (Greg) Fox; in-laws, Michael (Gloria) Adamé, Paul (Veronica) Adamé, Karen (Dave) Phillips, Ted (Cindi) Valdivia, James Witherell, and Clarence Engroff; many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Anita Garza.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 17, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Dan.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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