Francisco Juarez Garcia

Francisco Juarez “Kiko” Garcia, 100, of Topeka, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, at his home.

Frank was born in Topeka on October 3, 1925, to Jose Del Refugio Valdivia Garcia and Maria Secundina Juarez.

He was raised in Topeka, where he met his future bride and mother of his children, Esther Ortiz Garcia, whom he married in 1943.

He joined the United States Navy during World War II, where he served until 1946. He was stationed on a troop transport ship “USS Alnitah” in the Pacific.

Those that preceded him in death include his wife, Esther Garcia; parents, Refugio and Secundina Garcia; all his siblings, John “Chauncy”, Petra, Jesus, Pasqual, Mary, Carmen, Rufino, and Florentino; and granddaughter, Angelina Remboldt. Frank was the last member of the Garcia first generation family.

After returning from the Navy, he resumed working at the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railway in various capacities from laborer to an office clerk in the purchasing department. He retired with 44 years of service.

He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and a member of Nate Morales Council #11777 Knights of Columbus. On October 3, 2025, he was presented with an honorary membership to their council. During his membership, he was recognized as member of the year. In July of 2025, Fiesta Topeka presented Frank with a certificate of Centenarian Recognition in celebration of a remarkable milestone, 100 years of life. He was honored in riding in the Fiesta parade.

Frank faithfully participated in weekly Eucharistic Adoration at Our Lady of Guadalupe, for 20+ years. He always had fun playing Bunco, sponsored by Amigos at Our Lady of Guadalupe, and enjoyed making capirotada as a dessert for all to enjoy. He was also known for making peanut clusters, fudge, salsa, and guacamole. He also participated in the “Hot Lunch” program at Holy Family School for many years.

He attended Branner School at 2nd and Branner streets. He completed his schooling at the first Our Lady of Guadalupe School that was built in 1921 in the Oakland neighborhood. He participated in basketball and track and was a very good athlete. He always tried to stay in shape.

During Fiesta time, he helped prepare and cook tamales for Fiesta week. He took it upon himself to set up a booth at Fiesta to raffle a barbeque grill along with a beautiful picnic table including benches he built plus handmade wooden flower pots and various other woodwork items. He did this for 15+ years. All proceeds went to Holy Family School. In addition, he built a lovely chair in memory of his wife, Esther. The chair is in the Marlo Cuevas Balandran Activity Center, main floor near the entrance.

Frank enjoyed going to Papan’s Landing Senior Center in North Topeka on a weekly basis. They provided a variety of activities; his favorites were bingo, going to the Oakland Recreation Center, and to the Casino. For special occasions Frank would take a cheesecake for everyone to enjoy at lunchtime.

Throughout the years, Frank always took time to attend sporting or musical events for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He also liked to work in his garden of jalapenos, tomatoes, and one time harvested a couple of watermelons.

He always kept his lawns nicely mowed and enjoyed planting perennials and rose bushes along the fence line.

His favorite football teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas State.

Survivors include his children, Daniel Garcia and wife Margaret of Topeka, Lucia Odom and husband Don of Pearland, Texas, Bernadette Smith and husband David of Wichita, and Christina Remboldt and husband Mark of Topeka; 11 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Special recognition and thank you for our sister, Christina, her husband Mark, and their son, Gabriel, for taking care of Dad over the past years, as they invited him to stay in their home and provided a specific area so that he could enjoy his woodworking hobby and felt comfortable in his stay.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a rosary prayed at 6:30pm, Thursday, January 22, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am, Friday, January 23, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka.

Memorial contributions should be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church or Papan’s Landing Senior Center, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.