Donald Garz

Don Garz, age 84 passed away peacefully of natural causes at his home in Merced, CA, October 22, 2023.

Don Garz was born November 11, 1938, in Superior, WI to Bill and Marian Garz. He grew up near the Fish Creek in Orienta and Kinney Valley in Port Wing, WI.

Don graduated from South Shore High School, Port Wing, WI, class of 1956. While in high school he participated in athletics and was especially proud of being a member of Mr. Brault’s Circus performers, where rings were his specialty.

After graduation Don worked in construction and in commercial fishing. During this time, he trained to become an ABS Technician. Shortly after this he moved to Merced, CA. He worked for several ranchers in the area. He also continued his regular job as an ABS Technician.

In 1961 he married the love of his life, Virginia, and in 1962 welcomed their son Steven. Don and Virginia were married for 62 loving years.

Later they moved to Palo Alto, CA and Don started working for Ma Bell (AT@T) as a lineman. He worked his way up and retired as an Engineering Supervisor. During this time Don also worked part-time for many years building and remodeling homes. He was very creative and took special pride in his cabinet making and detail trim work, etc.; he continued his remodeling work when they moved back to Merced, CA in 2004. Don liked to go ocean fishing and traveling when they could. He enjoyed hosting special occasions for many family and friends in Palo Alto and Merced. Don was a very caring and generous person. His stepchildren thought of him like a father, and he enjoyed spending quality time with them.

Don is survived by his son Steven (Diana) Garz, Merced, CA, sister Linda (Denis Brown) Kainu, Forsyth, Missouri, stepdaughters, Susan (Tom) Johnson, Traverse City, MI, Arlene (Paul) Tammaro, Cupertino, CA, and stepson Douglas (Nancy) Nelson, Superior WI. Grandchildren, Heidi Masse, DePere, WI, Michael Tammaro, Los Angelas, CA and Johanna (Tyler) Silveira, Merced, CA. Sister-in-law, Lynn Garz, Washburn, WI, Daughter in law, Ev Nelson, Poplar, WI, niece Cindy, nephews William Garz and Rick Lentz. Special friends Dick and Jean Placone of Palo Alto, CA and many other friends.

Preceding Don in death were his parents and grandparents, his wife, Virginia Garz, brother Carl Garz, stepdaughter Barbara Nelson, stepson Bryan Nelson, grandson Daniel Tammaro, nephew Duane Garz, niece Malinda Grubisic and Brother-in-law Richard Lentz.  Also, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Arrangements for Don’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.

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