Jose “Joe” Garza, CO, of Valparaiso, Indiana, formerly of Crown Point, Indiana, passed away October 20. He was 66.
Garza practiced orthotics for 41 years at Calumet Orthopedic & Prosthetic Company, Hobart, Indiana, until retiring in June of this year. According to an online obituary, he enjoyed fishing and golf, and was a sports enthusiast.
“Joe was very dedicated to his patients and was very compassionate and warm-hearted,” said Ron Pawlowski, CPO, owner and president of Calumet. “He especially had a way with kids, so all our pediatric orthotic patients were assigned to him…. His older patients all respected and admired Joe as well.”
Joe joined Calumet in 1970, working with founder Walter Pawlowski, CPO, shortly after his discharge from the U.S. Army. It was in Vietnam where he met Walter’s son, Ron, when they were both stationed at a Medevac hospital in Can Tho. “Joe and I worked as OR techs along with two orthopedic surgeons, treating the injured sometimes 24 hours a day,” Pawlowski said.
After Garza returned from Vietnam, he contacted Pawlowski’s father and was offered a job.
Garza completed his formal orthotics education at Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. He became certified by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) in 1976 and became a member of the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA).
“Joe was a good employee and a hard worker, but I also remember his sense of humor…,” Pawlowski said, adding, “I think Joe would like to be remembered as making the best of the life he was given, and having made a difference in those he knew and cared for. We will miss Joe and we will keep his memory alive in our hearts.”
Garza is survived by his wife Judith; daughters, Kristen M. Heilman and Nicole L. (Jonathon) Bateman; son Eric L. Garza; sister Micaela (Ronald) Pawlowski; brothers, Melchor and Leandro (Debbie) Jr.; and other relatives and friends.
