Rev. Deacon Guillermo De La Garza

Rev. Deacon Guillermo De La Garza, 86, has been called by our Heavenly Father, after a long and faithful life of love, service, and faith. Rev. De La Garza was born on May 21, 1937, in the State of Tamaulipas in Mexico, the son of the late Ernesto and San Juana De La Garza. He is also preceded in death by his beloved spouse: Maria De Jesus De La Garza; daughters: Ana Leticia De La Garza and Elizabeth Perez.

At an early age, his family moved to Laredo, Texas, followed by Corpus Christi, Texas, where they traveled back and forth throughout the years, living in each city. He was a hardworking migrant worker and with that took him and his family to Delaware, Wisconsin. It was in Wisconsin in the 1970's that God called him to ministry. He was ordained in and for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and was sent to his residence city of Kenosha to serve the Roman Catholic community there. It was also during this time that he and his family opened up De La Garza Groceries in Kenosha, the family business that brought the traditional Mexican-American foods such as Barbacoa, Menudo, and the Tamales. These were times that will forever be etched in all our memories.

In the late 1970's, God called him and his family to move to Laredo, Texas. He continued his ministry to the Diaconate with the then Diocese of Corpus Christi, first being sent to serve the community of St. Joseph Catholic Church on Meadow Ave, then was transferred to San Luis Rey Catholic Church on Sanders Ave. His service continued following his tenure there to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church for a short period, then finished his service in ministry at Christ the King Catholic Church on Guadalupe and Tilden, having remained there until his retirement in 2002 for the Diocese of Laredo, but remained active in his ministry to God's people, even thru any health adversities, even after retirement. He cherished serving the people of God throughout the City of Laredo.  We are grateful to God, our Almighty Father, for the many years of life, service, friends, fatherhood, grandparent, and counselor to many. Rev. Deacon De La Garza was very proud to have been the one to Baptize his family members, those of his children’s friends and relatives. There are countless number of Baptism’s, Wedding’s, Funeral Rosary’s, Funeral’s, and many a talk with those who needed it the most. May St. Stephen, Jesus Christ, our Blessed Mother, and your beloved wife and our mother, Maria De Jesus De La Garza, have received you into the company of all the Angels and Saints. May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in Peace.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his children: Maria (Juan Antonio) Livas, Estela Hernandez, Ernesto De La Garza, Araceli De La Garza, and Miguel Angel Gutierrez; 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great greatgrandchildren; siblings: Rosa De La Garza, Octavio De La Garza, as well as a great number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rev. Deacon De La Garza will lie in state at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, 310 W. Hillside Rd., on Monday, December 18, 2023, from 5 to 9 pm. A Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will be offered at 7 pm by Rev. Deacon Mr. Raymundo Guevara leading the prayers.

The funeral procession will depart the funeral chapel at 8:45 am on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, to San Agustin Cathedral, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am by Rev. Jose Guadalupe Cadena.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Laredo City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Miguel Angel Gutierrez, Armando De La Garza, Juan Antonio Livas, John William Livas, Leonel Villalobos, and Natali Corona.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, Texas 78041; 956.724.6060