In Memory of Santiago Garcia Fernandez, M.D.

Written by: Jose Antonio Olivencia, MD

Santiago Garcia (Fernandez) was born July 22, 1932 in Tricio, Logrono, Spain to Dr. D. Eutimio Garcia Rojo and Sara (Fernandez) Garcia. He passed away January 21, 2005 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa after a long battle with leukemia.

Santiago “Santi” graduated from the University Of Madrid School Of Medicine in 1959, served in the Spanish Air Force, and then began a practice in Orthopaedic Surgery in Madrid, Spain. His father was a surgeon and his older brother an internist.

He accepted the challenge to study medicine in America and this became a reality when he served his internship at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Iowa and later served as staff physician at the Woodward State Hospital-School.

He returned to Spain in 1964 but came back to Iowa in 1966 and began a family practice in Urbandale where he remained until his retirement in 2000. His wife, Phyllis, worked with him throughout those years as an RN, office manager, and x-ray technician. To them, the name family practice meant exactly what the words described…FAMILY PRACTICE. Each and every patient was a special person, and as time passed, the term “family” included generations of families and they all became friends as well as patients.

During these years Santiago was also the Medical Director at John Deere Des Moines Works, Armstrong Tire, and Ryko Manufacturing. He volunteered as a physician at La Clinica to show his appreciation for his life in America by helping those struggling with the lanquage and customs.

He married Phyllis Brenny in 1964 and this union was blessed with three sons: John (Mary) a pediatrician at Hennepin County Hospital in St. Paul, MN, Mike (Deb) a funeral director in Bartlett, IL and Joe, a sports medicine physician in Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ramon, and his sisters Mary Biby and Rosario.

He was one of the pioneers of the sport of soccer in Iowa and filled the role of coach for many years. He was very proud of his teams and the mutual admiration and friendship of these young men remained throughout the years.

His legacy as a devoted husband, father, and abuelo (grandfather) as well as a loyal friend and colleague will leave a lasting imprint on all who were privileged to know him.

His three sons described him as passionate, dedicated, and a man with integrity. “Santi” will be missed.