Obituary of Antanasio "Tano" Delao Garcia

Atanasio “Tano” Delao Garcia (July 13, 1929 – November 27, 2020) Atanasio “Tano” Delao Garcia, age 91, passed away peacefully after his battle with cancer, on November 27, 2020 at Willows Nursing Home, East Lansing, MI. Tano was born on July 13, 1929 in Lytle, Texas, the son of Lucas Villarreal, and stepmother, Stella Villareal, Bay City, MI, and adoptive parents Encarnacion & Refugio (Lao) Garcia, of Lytle Texas. Tano worked in the garden and landscaping industry for 27 years in Breckenridge, MI, and later owned and operated “Tano Landscaping”, servicing Alma, Mt. Pleasant and the Greater Lansing area. Tano enjoyed gardening, especially growing “Big Boy” tomatoes, and he loved red roses. He enjoyed dancing, playing pool, and catering authentic Mexican food. Socializing and caring for his many dear friends brought him great joy. Tano is survived by his daughters, Ida Elisa (Gary) Ragatz, of East Lansing, MI and Suzanne (Jesse) DeLaCruz, of San Antonio, TX; daughter-in-law, Nancy Garcia, of Lansing, MI; five grandchildren, Jennifer Garcia (Luis Cardenas), of Lansing, MI, Will (Claire) Cantrell, of Dewitt, MI, Angela Garcia, of Midland, MI, A’Manda Lujan, of San Antonio, TX and Marco Flores, of Brownsville, TX; ten great-grandchildren, Jasmine and Luis Cardenas, Will J, Lily and Wyatt Cantrell, Andrew and Sean Sedlar, David Torres, Christian Castillo, Heaven McRae; and great-great granddaughter, Ivy Torres. Tano is preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents; infant daughters, Ida (6mos) and Elisa (3mos); sons, Rudy Garcia and Fred Garcia; biological siblings, Lola, Maggie, and Gaspar Villareal; and great-grandson, Christopher Castillo. Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held at Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Lansing, MI, with inurnment following at Chapel Gardens Cemetery, Alma, MI. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, PO Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901, or online at glfb@greaterlansingfoodbank.org. The family has arranged the GLFB general fund memorial tribute, for Atanasio Garcia, be sent to families in Gratiot County, MI. Memorial donations may also be sent to Ida Elisa Ragatz, 3788 Shearwater Lane, East Lansing, MI 48823. Online condolences may be made at https://cremationsocietymidmi.com. The Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan, Bay City, MI, has been entrusted with arrangements. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff at Heartland Hospice Care, Mason, MI and Willows Nursing Home for their compassionate and outstanding care given to Tano during his residency.