Maximino “Max” Isidro Garcia

Maximino “Max” Isidro Garcia, age 51, passed away surrounded by his loving family and close friends on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Max was born March 10, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa to Jesus and Maria Garcia. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines, where he met the love of his life and his future wife, Heather Small when they were 16 years old, and they became inseparable from that moment on. After high school, Max became an auto detailer and worked at Certified Auto for many years, where he made lasting friendships.

Max had many passions including collecting Hot Wheels, cooking, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers, but he was a Chicago Cubs fan through and through.

Max had a way of making everyone he interacted with feel like they were his favorite person. He was a devoted husband and a loving father and Papa. He was known by many as Uncle Max. He touched the lives of countless people and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.  

He is survived by his wife, Heather Garcia; children, Gabriella Garcia (Alec Dank), Natalia Garcia (Blake Schwiesow), and Anthony Garcia (Kaiya); grandchildren, Javier, Greyson, and Milo; mother, Lourdes Cervera; siblings, Martha Flores Cervera, Eloy Garcia, Anna Fisher (Matt), Gina Parker (Cris), Lalo Garcia (Aisha), and Eric Small (Katie); many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews (he took everyone in!); father-in-law, Curtis Small (Marsha); mother-in-law, Shirley Bullock; grandmother, Peggy Small; best friends, Mike and Kristi Ackelson; as well as a multitude of close friends.

Max was preceded in death by his father, Jesus Garcia; and his best friend and brother, Chad Leonetti.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, also at Hamilton’s. To celebrate the bright light that was Max, please wear your favorite car shirt, Cubbies gear, or colorful outfit.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to Iowa Cancer Society in loving memory of Max.

CUBS WIN!!!