Obituary
Mike Garcia
March 1st, 1946 - October 16th, 2024
Miguel “Mike” Peña Garcia, 78, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 16, 2024, at his home. He was under the care of of his loving family and Brio Hospice.
Miguel “Mike” Peña Garcia was born March 1, 1946, in Robstown, Texas, to Miguel C. Garcia and Otila Peña Garcia. At around 13 years of age the family moved to Gonzales, Texas.
He later moved to Galveston, Texas, with his parents, sister and brother. He graduated from Ball High School in Galveston, TX, but kept strong ties with friends from Gonzalez High School. After graduation he enrolled at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of X-Ray Technology in Galveston. He graduated as Valedictorian. He attended Texas A & M from 1966 to 1970.
In 1966, he married Karen S. Nance of Galveston; two daughters were born, Kelli Marie in 1968, and Andrea Michelle in 1972. They later divorced.
In 1970, he joined the Army. He served seven years, including three short tours in Vietnam. During his military career he was stationed in Bethesda, Maryland, where he trained at the U.S. Naval Medical Isotope Training Course becoming a Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist in 1971. He held many Chief Technologist Jobs the next several years in Texas.
In 1983, he relocated to Idaho Falls, to establish the Nuclear Cardiology Program at Parkview Hospital, eventually moving to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
In 1988, he married Julie Schell Whitehead. In 1991, with the encouragement of several cardiologists he started his own business, Teton Nuclear Medicine Service. He also operated the Nuclear Medicine Department at Bingham Memorial Service, and a Sleep Disorder Center in Idaho Falls.
He and Julie were avid sailors, owning a 46 foot sloop named Anjuli berthed in St. Thomas USVI.S. for 10 years. Mike was a member of the Idaho Falls Country Club and golfed whenever he could. They enjoyed spending time at their condo in Big Sky, Montana. He loved golfing at Big Sky as well as downhill and cross-country skiing. Mike was also a member of the Caribou Gold Prospectors Club and spent many hours gold prospecting in Idaho and Amado, Arizona, where he and Julie spent many winter seasons.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; daughters, Kelli (Chris) Marshall, and Andrea (Ed) Kennedy; sister-in-law, Paula Ker; grandchildren, Eddie, Joe, Karina, Caitlyn, Kaleigh, and Kyle.
Please no flowers, donate to a local charity.
A celebration of life is planned from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Teton Medical Specialty Center Solarium, 2001 Woodruff in Idaho Falls. Military honors will be performed at 5:00 p.m. by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Military Honor Guard.
Special thanks to everyone at Brio Hospice. Extra heartfelt thanks to Stephani, you had Mike’s heart. Also many thanks to friends for all their love and support.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.
