Jose M. Garcia Jr.

Jose Manuel Garcia, Jr.

Jose Manuel Garcia, Jr., 68, of Milwaukee, WI, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2026. After a long, courageous battle with dementia, he left us surrounded by the deep love and devotion of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Born in Milwaukee on March 28, 1958, to Jose and Justina Garcia, Jose was the youngest of three. As a young man, he was a fixture in Walnut Hill, often seen walking his massive German Shepherd, King, off-leash alongside his cat, Pancho—a sight that never failed to surprise the neighbors. His lifelong commitment to strength and discipline started at 13, when he began building his own exercise equipment. That passion grew into a love for boxing, wrestling, baseball, and especially basketball. For Jose, the court was about more than just the hustle; it was about the laughs and the brotherhood built during the game.

Jose met Kaye at West Division High School in 1974, and they began their 50-year journey together in 1976. After graduation, Jose built a career the same way he lived his life: with humor, sharp instincts, and a natural gift for making strangers feel like old friends. He spent years working with his close friend Allen Siehr, helping grow a local luxury travel business while charming every client he met. Jose had a rare way of turning a simple conversation into a genuine bond—the kind of trust that turned a quick deal into a lifelong partnership.

What began at West Division grew into a lifetime of devotion to his children, Jose and Lisette, who were his pride and joy. He taught them by example how to care for others and take pride in doing things the right way—and he certainly taught them never to be afraid to walk up to a total stranger like an old friend and ask for the family discount.

Of all the jobs Jose held, the one he took most seriously was being a Grandpa. He was the ultimate “Yes Man” to his grandchildren, buying every toy imaginable and ensuring the pantry was always stocked with the sugary cereals their parents forbade. He was a fixture at P’s and Kal’s football, basketball, and soccer games; elementary school coaches and sidelines hated to see him coming, but his grandkids knew they had the most fierce, loyal coach in their corner. He was their protector and favorite comedian, willing to threaten any bully with the chancla if need be. To Jose, he simply had the most talented grandkids around, and he made sure the whole world knew it.

Jose is being welcomed with open arms by his parents, Jose and Justina Garcia, and his beloved eldest grandson, Jose “P” Garcia. He is also reuniting with a few very dear friends and family members, the many animals he loved, protected, and spoiled over the years, and his legendary 1989 red Toyota pickup truck, which is undoubtedly waiting for him with a full tank and no mechanical issues.

He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend of 50 years, Delores Kaye Garcia, who was the steady heart of his world and his most devoted advocate until the very end. He is also survived by his children, Jose Garcia (Dominic “Nikki” Wahl) and Lisette Garcia, his nine cherished grandchildren, April, Kal-EL, Ella, Ethan, Quinn, Brianna, Ayden, Macen and Evynn; and his great-grandson Cashton, all of whom surrounded him with love and care until the very end. His memory and laughter will be carried on by family and friends from every walk of life too numerous to list but not forgotten.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Brighton Hospice team for their compassionate support. A special thank you to his niece Lisa, nephew Anthony, and dear friend Miguel, as well as his neighbor Martha, whose collective care and kindness were a constant source of comfort to Jose during his final years.

Gathering will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Visitation from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM with service to begin at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place at Wauwatosa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jose would have wanted you to perform a random act of kindness for someone in need—as he often did—or for an animal, as he protected and advocated for many. Donations may also be made in his honor to MADACC or the Wisconsin Humane Society.

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