ANGEL SAMPAYO GARCIA III
ANGEL SAMPAYO GARCIA III
May 13, 1956 - June 9, 2025
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Angel Sampayo Garcia III, 69, of Black River Falls, WI. He fell asleep in death Monday, June 9, 2025, at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, WI.
Angel was born in San Diego, CA, May 13, 1956, to Angel Garcia Jr. and Elena Garcia. He held many dear titles to those who loved him, including husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He is the second eldest of seven brothers and one sister. He was raised in a military family.
His dad was in the Marine Corps for 20 years and in the U.S. Army for two years before that. The family moved back and forth about every year between Texas and California. They resided in Twenty Nine Palms, CA, Camp Pendleton, CA, Oceanside, CA, San Antonio, TX, and other cities during his youth. He attended six elementary schools, two junior high schools and wo high schools. Throughout school, he loved a variety of sports, especially football and track. Angel was a strong athlete and had a special love for track and field. He held records and received many awards for his speed. He could run a mile in four minutes and four seconds (The world record is currently three minutes 43 secs).
Angel followed in his father's footsteps, joining the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old. His parents signed for him to join early as he wanted to. Thus, he finished high school at Carlsbad High in Camp Pendleton. He later served in a Marine detachment on the USS Coral Sea during the Mayaguez Incident, the last battle of the Vietnam War in 1975. He assisted in the helicopter rescue mission. He served his country in the USMC from 1973-1977. A couple years after his military service, he pursued higher education at Los Angeles Trade Technical college and at Cal State Los Angeles. He received his associate of science degree in cabinet making and Millwork. Afterward, he transferred to CSULA where he finished another year. A time later, Angel pursued schooling in computer science and electrical work.
In 1979, he met Rae Anna Sallaway at work at Sav-On Drug Store in Huntington Park, CA, his future wife and mother of his five children. They were married July 10, 1987, in Santa Ana, CA. They raised their growing family in the Los Angeles area. Years later, the family moved to Black River Falls, WI, in August of 2000. Angel taught by example a stellar work ethic, a quality that stood out to those who knew and observed him. He worked hard to support, protect and care for his family. He worked at various companies throughout his life as a father, including Zacky Farms, Huntington Memorial Hospital, Ashley Furniture and the Ho-Chunk Nation Housing Department.
Angel lived a life defined by service, dedication and deep love for his family. He was a man of many talents and passions who loved learning. He was an avid reader, a phenomenal cook and a natural teacher - always sharing his knowledge and skills with his children and grandchildren. Angel was a fierce protector, provider and supporter of his family. He was a caring father whose concern for his family’s well-being never wavered. All of his family will sorely miss how he further expressed his love for them through his witty sense of humor, unforgettable dad jokes, delicious cooking and love and protective spirit for the ones he loved.
Among the many of Angel’s accomplishments, one of his most cherished was one he achieved in his later years - that of being awarded the title of “World’s Greatest Grandpa” by his grandchildren. Angel’s family meant the world to him - and he means the world to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Rae Anna Garcia; his children, Joshua L. Garcia (Cesar), Christina A. Corona (Aaron), Sarah C. Frisbey, John W. Garcia and (Nathan) and Ariel A. Rios; his grandchildren, Kadance Dobbs, and Emmy Frisbey. He also leaves behind his much-loved brothers Richard Garcia, Robert Garcia, George Garcia, Albert (Diana) Garcia, David Garcia; and his sister, Sylvia Garcia.
Angel was preceded in death by his father, Angel Garcia Jr., mother Elena S. Garcia; his brother, Steve Garcia; grandparents Steve and Refugia Reyna; and his sister in-law, Lilia Garcia.
Special thanks to the Ho-Chunk Nation OOP, District 1 Community Center staff and the La Crosse branch office staff for all their assistance to his immediate family while he was in ICU. We’re also so very grateful for all the loving care and concern expressed through texts, calls, prayers, flowers, cards and donations for Angel and his family.