MANUEL GARCIA JR. "MEME"

age 73, of Demotte, formerly of East Chicago, late of Highland, passed away on Friday, November 20, 2015, surrounded by family. Manuel is survived by his loving wife Maria; children: Maricela (David) Rodriguez, Diana (James) Freund, Manuel (Maritza) Garcia III, Veronica (Bobby) Sala, Brenda (Andres) Chavez; grandchildren: Crystal, David, Manuel IV, Selina, Christopher, Jimmy, Samantha, Nina, Anyssa, Aiden, Juilan, Emma and Sophia; great grandson Emilio; siblings: Maria (Lauro) Cardenas, Jose (Evila) Garcia and Ernesto (Marina) Garcia; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends Abel (Lee) Garza. Preceded in death by his parents Manuel Sr. and Maria Garcia; mother-in-law Carmen Gonzalez.

Manuel was married to love of his life for 51 years. He and Maria loved to dance and never missed an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Manuel cherished the time spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He retired from Inland Steel after 44 years of service. A skilled woodworker, Manuel crafted many home furnishings over the years including tables and grandfather clocks. Manuel was also an avid hunter, traveling to Wyoming and Texas to hunt. An amazing storyteller with a rambunctious laugh and wonderful sense of humor, Manuel will be dearly missed by all.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home 14 Kennedy Ave (corner of Main and Kennedy) Schererville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 10:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Church 808 W. 150th St. East Chicago, IN with Msgr. John Siekierski officiating. Cremation at Solan Pruzin Crematory to follow.