Rafael Lopez Garcia Sr.

Rafael Lopez Garcia Sr. was born on March 17, 1941 and passed away on March 10, 2023 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was known to many as “Felo” and “El Ranchero”. 

Rafael loved performing his famous disappearing tricks, random burst of singing and dancing, always making sure things were “heavy duty”, and being a macho man.

Going to baseball games was something he loved doing with his children. They made memories going to Blackhawk Park, going on picnics, and spending all the time he could with them. You knew when it was baseball season because the phone would ring more times than usual making sure others were watching, especially during the World Series. The phone conversations would last a maximum of 2 minutes but in those couple of minutes he would always let you know that he loved you.

Rafael was free like a bird. Often, he would get his nicest pair of jeans (loaded with candy), putting on his pointy cowboy boots and sombrero, and taking a trip to Mexico and California. He enjoyed life and made sure he lived it to the fullest.

Rafael awaits his children Wendy Ortiz, Patricia Cunningham Santiago (Saul), Rafael C. Garcia Jr. (Melanie Garcia), Rebecca M. Manriquez (Miguel Manriquez), and Roberto M. Garcia (Mandi Garcia), He also awaits his 17 grandchildren, Jessica, Hector Jr., Esperanza “Punky”, Gabriella, Graciela “Sissy”, Jose, Saulito, Vanesa, Solomon, Jonah, Arianna, Chloe, Kayla, Faith, Manny, Trinity, and Ty as well as many great grandchildren.

Come celebrate the life of Rafael in your finest cowboy attire. Services will be held at Monroe Center Community Church 17435 IL RT 72 Monroe Center, IL 61052 Friday March 17th, 2023. Visitation will be held 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm and the celebration of life will begin at 1:00pm with luncheon to follow.

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