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Jeffrey Garnier Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Garnier
Sheila Everett
July 28, 2025
He was a very sweet and kind man that I used to see and chat with everyday on the bus while on my way to work. He always had a smile.
Susan Karczewski (Catrini)
December 15, 2011
MaryAnn,
You and I were friends for so long...growing up I remember Jeff as a kind & sweet soul; quiet and to himself. What a tragedy losing him. You and Tom and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that Jeff is in a better place, but yet still with you.
Jill Bishop
December 15, 2011
I never met Jeff. I saw his notice in the paper. When I saw the words "A kind and gentle soul" I loved him. Two of our sons had challenges, Kevin is gone, but Kristofer is still here. I worry about him at night also. How some low life could do such a thing is terrible. I know he is in a better place now.
Maybe he and Kevin will be friends.
Linda Drall
December 14, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that I write this message. I just heard about Jeff's untimely death. I went to both grade and high school with Jeff. He was always a very kind soul. Your family has a wonderful guardian angel who will now carefully watch over all.
Please accept my very deepest sympathy in your loss. You all are in my prayers. Bye Jeff.
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Scott Peliska
December 7, 2011
Dear MaryAnn:
After seeing you on the news last night I felt compelled to send you my heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the loss of your brother. I recognized Jeff's face from not personal meetings, but like so many others from having seen him around all these decades. Perhaps he helped me at HOBO, I couldn't say. I was very moved after reading some of these posts about his kindness and angelic qualities. Know that there are others from WHS '75 that share this sentiment and offer you our sincere condolences.
Sandy Hartson
December 4, 2011
My love to Cousins Greg and Judy, and to the rest of the Garnier family!
Mary
December 4, 2011
I didn't know Jeff personally, but many years ago, I worked at Pick N Save in West Allis. Almost every night, he would come in. Such a nice soul!!! I now live in West Allis, and would see Jeff--now I have a name to put with the face---at bus stops or walking down the street. I never spoke to this man, but there was just something about him...you could just tell that he was a gentle, kind person! Just two weeks ago, I saw him waiting at the bus stop and it made me smile! When I heard what happened I was outraged! Please know that the Garnier family is in my thoughts and prayers. What a horrible tragedy!!
Kelly Kasun
December 3, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Jeff once and will never forget him. When I was at a very bad place in my life 2 1/2 years ago, I met him at a bus stop. He was so very kind to me and I swear at the time he was like an angel sent to help me in some way. We ended up hanging out for the entire day and he even rode the bus with me back to 20th and Chambers where I was unfortunately staying and walked me safely to my door and gave me a hug. I was at the lowest point in my life and his kindness and acceptance of me gave me hope that I wasn't the throw away person that I thought I was at the time. Part of why I have picked myself up and have been on the right road for almost two years now was because this quiet, gentle man treated me with respect and took the time to listen. I am so sad he is gone. Partly because of him I am not gone. God bless him.
Shane Maniaci
December 1, 2011
I never knew Jeff personally, per say. But I've known of him since I was a freshman in High School in 2001 when I started to ride the bus. I remember seeing him ride the bus quite often, and stood out to me for some reason. One day I had lost my bus money to get home, and with no other real options, I approached Jeff and asked if he had an extra $1.50. He dug around in his pockets and found that money, and helped me out. I never forgot about this man. I would continue to see him on the bus during our common journeys. Never forgetting the fact that I wanted to pay him back for the bus fair, but never having the change on me, since I had upgraded to the passes. But a few years after that day, in 2004, I finally had the little measly change on me and he was taking the same bus. I approached Jeff once more, reminded him of what he had done for me, and just before I could reach into my pockets to pay him, "Meh! Just give me a dollar", he said. I gave him a dollar to close out my tab, and we continued on with our journeys. But for 10 years I would see Jeff anywhere and everywhere in West Allis or in Milwaukee. Whether he was on the bus, or walking down the street, I always felt good knowing of him. A co-worker recently posted a news report on Facebook about his untimely passing, and it just rocked me. It was the kind man who assisted a silly 15 year old kid with bus fair. I'm saddened by his passing, and will miss his familiar character traveling through my cities with purpose. My thoughts go out to his family. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Jakkqui Smolarek
December 1, 2011
It has been a few years since I last saw Jeff. I am so shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely and senseless death. My memories of him are fond ones. My condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. May he rest in peace.
Dawn Klein
November 30, 2011
I met Jeff on the bus one day about 10 years ago. He was a wonderful guy and made me laugh. I will miss seeing him around town. He always seemed so smily and in a good mood even when he had a bad day. I wish i heard about this tragedy earlier, I apologize for not coming to see you at the hospital or the funeral. RIP you will always be in my life
Cathy Krawczyk-Strozinsky
November 30, 2011
I went to high school with Jeff, and was very upset and sad when I saw the news. Jeff was always very nice to me in high school. If anyone would tease me, Jeff would be the first to defend me. He was very funny and liked to make other laugh. You will be remembered for the nice guy that you were.
Diane Laroque
November 30, 2011
to a good person and friendly face u could always count on i know since i got a car i havent seen u latly i so regret not stopping the other day on my way taking my kid to school i was late but i so wanted to say hi sorry i didnt . You will be dearly missed.
Rich
November 30, 2011
Jeff was a great guy and always in a good mood. To his family, I am sorry for your loss.
Michelle Erickson
November 29, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. I saw Jeffrey on the bus all the time and he always seemed in a good mood, a happy guy. My thoughts and prayers to Jeffrey and his family.
Casey Brand
November 29, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the entire Garnier family. My parents were good friends of Jay and Theresa...in fact, they were my God-parents. Keeping you in our prayers.
November 29, 2011
I'm so sorry this happened to your family.
We've been thinking about all of you.
Much love,
Deborah
Ron Berger
November 29, 2011
Thoughts & prayers to Jeff's family. I was sad to hear of his passing and he was a great friend. He will be sadly missed.
Paul
November 28, 2011
I will miss you Uncle Jeff
maryann edwards
November 27, 2011
David, Claudia, Greg, Maryann and Nancy,
Sorry very sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. I remember Jeff from when I was very young. He was so sweet and gentle cousin. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. I think of your parents all the time and miss my talks with your mother. She was such a savior to me after my own mother passed away. Much love to all of you and again very sorry.
Maryann(mathis) Edwards
Barbara Garnier
November 27, 2011
Thanks to all who are thinking good thoughts for our family, have made food for us, and took care of him at both Aurora West Allis Medical Center and in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit At Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center. We've found out not only that Jeff touched more lives in a positive way than we ever imagined, but those he touched all considered him a hard-working and caring individual.
Jeff, we made a place for you for dinner on Thursday and raised a glass in your honor. I found you to be a great brother-in-law who never said a mean thing about anyone in my earshot.
Patrick and Wanli Casey
November 27, 2011
Some of the best fun I ever had as a boy was spending summer vacations playing with cousin Jeff and the other Garniers in Hales Corners. Jeff would pop out of bed every morning and sing "Wake up, wake up, the sun is shining. It's a brand new new day. Wake up, wake up, time's a wasting. Get on your way." It is a brand new day and that voice will always be missed.
Rita Rauschendorfer
November 27, 2011
You are all in our prayer during this very difficult time. May God's grace hold you up and give you the strength that you need.
Robin Laabs
November 27, 2011
Jeff was a friendly face you could count on seeing every day. He always had a kind word to say. He will truly be missed. Rest in the arms of Jesus, friend.
November 27, 2011
I love you, Jeff- you were my 'little' brother and you are most sadly missed!
Julie Klietz
November 27, 2011
"You're in the arms of the angels, may you find some comfort here..." Sarah McLachlan
Jeff was a special guy, I am glad to have had the chance to know him from working with him at HOBO. I hope he knows how many hearts & lives he'd touched during his time on Earth. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family & friends. May he find peace at home in Heaven.
Angela Colletti
November 27, 2011
Jeff was so nice to me almost every time I seen him he would ask how my children were. I dont think I can ever remember a time were he dident ask me about my boys. I will never forget his caring ways and he always had ways to cheer me up when I was down. I will miss you deeply an so will the rest of your HOBO co workers. Now you are at peace and your safe with the lord Rip Jeff Rest in peace my friend
Kelly Miller
November 27, 2011
HOBO will never be the same without Jeff. We will miss him greatly and are deeply saddened by the circumstances surrounding his death. My condolences go out to his family.
Robin Laabs
November 27, 2011
Jeff was a friendly face you could count on seeing every day. He always had a kind word to say. He will truly be missed. Rest in the arms of Jesus
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