Noel Garcia Sr.

Since his birth on June 4th, 1942, he cultivated a legacy woven from undying love and dedication to his family and those he befriended.

Noel Garcia was born in Los Arrieros Rural, Texas, to Guadalupe Gonzalez and Pedro Garcia. He grew up with his brothers, Corando, Hector, and Arnold. As a child, Noel learned the value of hard work and resilience helping his family in migrant fields.

During his travels to Salineño, Noel was introduced to the woman he fell in love with and who he began a new life alongside; Dubelza. Noel Sr. determined to provide a better life for his growing family after the births of his children, Liz, Noel Jr., and Jaime, moved them to Lansing, Michigan, where he began his long career with General Motors. As his children grew, creating families that branched out from his roots, Noel’s role as protector never wavered — Bob Hilts remembers when he asked for Liz’s hand in marriage, walking in to find Noel reclined in his favorite chair with huge machetes in either hand.

However, Noel’s fierce fire-heart rekindled with a softer flame with the arrival of his five grandchildren, attuned with an incandescent love that would shape each of them throughout their lives. Stephanie Hilts (26) and Marisa Hilts-Schmidtmann (28), remember the warmth of each embrace and how every heartfelt story of his —reminiscing on their toddler years— would bring tears to his eyes, followed by sentimental declarations of the immeasurable love he had for each of his grandkids. Stephanie and Marisa also proudly held the responsibility of informing Grandpa’s ever growing second family of friends on his well-being. Grandpa, the mayor of North Lansing (an enduring title gifted to him by his family), established connections with the incredible staff from his favorite daily pitstops, Flapjacks, McDonalds, Sam’s Club, Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and Meijer.

Though, Austin Garcia (17), Gerrit Garcia (17), and Andy Hilts (23) remember his famous stories of catching the world’s biggest fish or being awarded with four hole-in-one trophies (which just so happened to be misplaced over the years, unfortunately). Grandpa and Grandma’s home was a haven of unconditional, unwavering love, and bright, contagious laughter, warmed like a hearth by his tremendous heart and fierce spirit.

Noel dedicated his life to his family, giving his legacy chances to reach for the stars, never fearing his arms wouldn’t catch them if they’d fall. Noel now watches over his family with his wife and son, Dubelza and Jaime. He is survived by his loving children, Liz (husband Bob Hilts) and Noel Jr.; his grandchildren, Marisa (husband Price Schmidtmann), Stephanie, Andrew, Austin, and Gerrit; his brother Hector; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation for Noel will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the rosary beginning at 7:30 PM, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 102 W Randolph St., Lansing, MI 48906. Following Mass, the Rite of Committal will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906. A Mexican-catered luncheon will be held at St. Therese afterwards.

Noel’s family welcomes anyone who wishes to pay their respects to his memory.