Obituary of Nivar Guadelupe Garza
Nivar Guadelupe Garza was born on November 20, 1946, in Brownsville, Texas. He was one of five boys born from the union of Luis and Maria (Flores) Garza. Lupe, as he became known, married the love of his life, the former Maria Barrientes. The happy couple would be blessed with the birth of five children.
As a devout Christian, Nivar dedicated much of his time volunteering at his church, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie. He served in many capacities at the church, from Mass Usher to the chairperson of the Casino tent at the annual church festival. Lupe also enjoyed volunteering his time with the Knights of Columbus, especially on BINGO nights where he would assist the Bingo players with receiving their cards. Above anything, Lupe loved his family, and he treasured any time he could spend with them, even if it was when he smooth talked them into working a table at the Casino tent.
In his free time, Lupe enjoyed visiting the Hollywood Casino in Toledo, Ohio. His favorite game of chance in hopes of winning the jackpot was playing on the penny slot machines. Lupe always looked forward to engaging in a spirited game or two of poker or blackjack when he could.
Lupe was proud of his Heritage and appreciated the opportunity to listen to some of his favorite Mexican songs. He was blessed to be able to work with his hands and was a skilled and knowledgeable handyman throughout his entire life. Even though he had no official training, Lupe could fix just about anything, and was more than willing to give it his best shot before calling in “the professionals”.
Nivar G. Garza, age 75, of Erie, passed away peacefully at 9:10pm on Tuesday; February 1, 2022 while under the care of Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania. His passing was preceded by his parents and his beloved wife.
To cherish his memory, he leaves five children: Luis (Renee) Garza, Silvia (the late Chris Brown) Garza, Cindy Garza, Raquel Coduto and Irma (Bill Haefner) Garza; four brothers: Ramon, Juan, Renee, and David; seven grandchildren: Ashley, Nichole, Brandon, Bradley, Christine, Emily, and Grace; four great-grandchildren: Marissa, Gregory, Claire, and Skyla; and his Companion of twenty years: Lupie S. Garcia.
Friends may gather on Monday; February 7, 2022 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199. Nivar will lie-in-state on Tuesday; February 8, 2022, from 10:00am until the time of the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2238 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan. Procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Erie will follow.
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