A former owner of a beloved Galesburg restaurant celebrated for its authentic Mexican cuisine has died at age 101.
John Garcia Sr., known to generations of locals as the driving force behind Casa Sierra restaurant, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 13, 2025.
Born September 4, 1924, in Veracruz, Mexico, to Refugio and Lenore (Nunez) Garcia, John immigrated to the U.S. in his late teens to work for the C.B.&Q. Railroad. He married Lucille Sierra in 1945 in Davenport, Iowa. Over the years, John held diverse jobs, including at Peoples Hardware in Galesburg, as an electrician after trade school in Chicago, and at Gates Rubber Co. for 25 years. He also repaired televisions and antiqued lamps.
While at Gates, John and Lucille opened Casa Sierra, where they served up family recipes until her death in 2001. John continued operating the restaurant with his family until retiring in 2010, leaving a legacy of flavorful meals and warm hospitality that made it a Galesburg staple.
Obituary: John Garcia, Sr. ~ September 4, 1924 — October 13, 2025
Garcia is survived by one son, John Garcia Jr. of Galesburg; one daughter, Gloria (Steve) Specht of Galesburg; seven grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
A longtime member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, John loved his faith, the St. Louis Cardinals, and family outings to games, according to his obituary. An accomplished magician, tap dancer, and artist, he had a dry sense of humor and could fix anything with his toolkit. In later years, he enjoyed daily family visits, sharing snacks from the dollar store and celebrating his U.S. citizenship.
The family wrote, “Dad, thank you for all of the beautiful memories, and especially for all of the unconditional love that you gave us. Give mom a big hug! Love Gloria, John, and all of your grandchildren. God bless you always!”
A rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, October 23, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
