Zaragoza Garza, 67

Zaragoza Garza, 67, of Mountain Home, died peacefully Oct. 30, 2004, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home. Funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Mountain Home. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Zaragoza was born April 29, 1937, in Sabinas Hidalgo Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the son of Jose and Paula Garza. He was the second to the oldest of ten children.

Zaragoza was the driving force in bringing his father, mother, brothers and sisters to Idaho. He scouted several areas in the state of Idaho before bringing the Garza family to Wilder in 1956.

"He was the light that guided the family in many ways," his family said, adding, "Zaragoza was the adventurous one 'til his last days."

Zaragoza married Guadalupe Aldape of Alamo, Texas, in 1956, celebrating their 48th anniversary on Aug. 29, 2004. He was a resident of Elmore County for 35 years and been employed as a foreman in agricultural work.

Zaragoza was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and had been a member of the parish council. He volunteered at the Parish Thanksgiving Dinners and as a CCD Bus Driver for four years.

"Zaragoza had a big heart, he gave to others when needed," his family said. "His passion was listening to music, singing and writing songs that have been recorded by various latino artists."

Zaragoza is survived by: his wife, Guadalupe Garza; daughter Oralia Garza with five daughters, all of Mountain Home; sons Juan Garza with three daughters and five sons of Rupert, Zaragoza Garza, Jr., with two daughters and one son, of Meridian, Martin Garza with four daughters and one son, of Portland, Ore., and Joe Garza with a son, of Boise; brothers Reyes Garza, Roman Garza and Paul Garza; and sisters Alicia Alvarez, Juana Castillo, Mary Nevarez, Eva Moreno, Santos Garza and Irene Lemus.

He was preceded in death by his son, Robert, a grandson, Angel, and his parents.