Joe L. Garcia

~~     Joe L. Garcia, 57, of Somers, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was born in Racine on October 1, 1956, the son of Ignacio and Maria (nee: Sanchez) Garcia.
      As a child, Joe attended schools in Wisconsin and Texas. After obtaining an electronics degree from Gateway Technical College, he began his 31 year career with Wisconsin Electric, now WE Energies. Joe started as a mechanic and advanced to higher positions within the company using his strong work ethic and love of learning. While working as a manager, in both maintenance and operations, he went on to receive degrees in Business Administration and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
     Joe was an activist in the community and had a passion for diversity issues. He served on the board of directors for the United Way, was fundamental in implementing a class at Gateway in Supervisor Training and was instrumental in constructing a conflict resolution and diffusion program in the workplace relating to cultural and ethnicity issues.
     Joe married his best friend, Kathryn, in August of 1999. Together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, home improvement projects and their blended families and friends. Martial Arts were an important part of Joe’s life. As a black belt, he competed in several Midwestern tournaments with his brother, Victor. Above all, he loved spending time at home with his family, especially his grandson Alex.   
      Joe is survived by his wife Kathryn; mother, Maria Garcia, of Zionsville, IN; children, Jonathan Ostrowski, of Steven Point, and Jessica Ostrowski, of Racine along with grandson Alexander Vargas and two daughters from a previous marriage. He is further survived by seven brothers; Ignacio Jr., Victor, Oscar, Emilio, Ricardo, David and Juan, seven sisters; Maria Elena, Rachel, Gloria, Juanita, Irma, Norma, Josephina, mother-in-law and father-in-law; Charlotte and John Rockweiler, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Ignacio, and brother, Raul Garcia.
     Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, January 19th from 4:00-6:30 p.m. Memorial and funeral service to follow with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  Private burial will take place at a later date.