Lance Michael Garcia, 39, of Fort Gratiot, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
He was born in Port Huron on March 2, 1985, the first son of Michele and Hassan Garcia. Lance graduated from Port Huron Northern High School in 2003. He met the love of his life, Geneva Rabidue, in 2009 and they were married September 24, 2011 in Marysville.
Welding was Lance’s professional passion, and he was hired by Wirtz Manufacturing and soon-after earned his welding certificate from SC4. Hard work and dedication helped Lance work his way up to his current role of Materials Manager at Wirtz Mfg. where he was employed for 21 years.
Lance began playing hockey shortly after he could walk and he played for several travel teams, for Port Huron Northern, and in various church and men’s leagues over the years. More recently, he exchanged lacing up his own skates for watching and coaching his son, Conner, which he absolutely loved. Always up for an adventure, Lance also enjoyed motorcycling and snowboarding with his buddies in his younger years. He and Jen were members of Lakeport Wesleyan Church.
Lance will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, huge smile, quick wit, and incredible kindness.
He is survived by his wife, Geneva; his two children who were his absolute pride and joy, Conner and Lauren; his mother, Michele Garcia-Walter (Keith Walter); grandmother, Judith Bettinger; brother, Austin (Kortni) Garcia; niece and nephew, Wyatt and Rylee; mother-in-law, Debra Rabidue; father-in-law, Ronald Rabidue; sister-in-law, Carly Rabidue-Jacobs (James Jacobs); many aunts, uncles, special cousins and their families; and many wonderful friends including his lifelong best friend, Nick Lynn. He was preceded in death by his father, Hassan; grandfather, Charles Bettinger; and special cousin, Jon-Marc Chandler.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 5-8 p.m. Wednesday in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Ross Bible Church. Reverend Drew Mills of Lakeport Wesleyan Church will officiate. Family and friends may view the service livestream on Lance’s obituary page of the funeral home website.
Burial will follow at Ruby Cemetery, Clyde Township. Pallbearers will be Austin Garcia, Joshua Bettinger, Sean Lavery, Nick Lynn, Dennis McCabe, Andy Lipovac, Dave Tanton, and Christian Sprung.
Memorial contributions may be made to Geneva for the children’s education.
To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com
