Howard Charles and Maria Luisa Garcia Menzel

Howard Charles Menzel • 1919 – 2017
Maria Luisa Garcia Menzel • 1920 – 2017

Howard passed away on Sunday, September 24th of a broken heart following the passing of Maria on January 9th. They were together for almost 70 years and lived out their lives in their Santa Barbara home of over 50 years. They married in Iloilo, Philippines after the end of WWII and ultimately settled in Santa Barbara to raise their three sons.

Howard was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University with his law degree. He retired in 1987 as the Santa Barbara County Clerk Recorder after 35 years of service. Maria was an ESL teacher as she cared for three very active boys.

Howard was active in Kiwanis International, the Army Reserves where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, and was a Past Master of the Santa Barbara Masonic Lodge. In retirement he pursued his interest in genealogy researching the Menzel and Garcia Family lineages.

Howard and Maria are survived by their three sons Mark, Paul (Karen) and Charles (Candy), five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 20th at 1 PM at Welch-Ryce-Haider Chapel, 15 East Sola St in Santa Barbara.