Manuel was raised in Texas, but lived in Colorado for the majority of his life. On March 17, 1948, he married Eva Saldaña in San Benito, Texas. They were happily married for 71 years and lived most of their lives in Greeley and raised eight children.
Manuel worked on farms, which he loved, and later worked in maintenance at Weld County Courthouse and UNC. He also worked for Monfort of Colorado Beef Packing Plant before it closed and then worked for the City of Greeley and Gill Schools as a custodian. Manuel was a hard worker all his life. He enjoyed driving to the mountains, BBQ and grilling, dancing and watching Western movies. He loved the Colorado Rockies and watching baseball on TV. Above all, Manuel loved his family, kids, grandkids and pets.
Manuel is survived by his wife, Eva S. Garza of Greeley; daughters, Graciela Martinez (Daniel) of Ault and Sandra Lee Benavidez and Brenda Lee Archuleta both of Greeley; sons, Jose Manuel Garza of Evans, Michael A. Garza of Johnstown and Ricardo Garza of Estes Park; sisters, Angie Maltos (Val) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Berna Strayer (David) of California, Connie Martinez (Marco) of Greeley and Alicia Garza of Evans; brothers, Thomas Garza of McAllen, Texas and John Garza (Ruth) of Evans; 20 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Garza, Sr. and Refugia Mungia, daughter, Patricia Alvarez, son, Alfredo Garza, brother, Raymond Garza, daughter-in-law, Patti Garza and son-in-law, Salome Alvarez.
A Liturgical service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Stoddard Funeral Home. Inurnment Sunset Memorial Gardens.
