George Michael "Mike" Tetreau

BROWNSVILLE, TX. - George Michael "Mike" Tetreau, 73, passed away on Wednesday, the 4th of September 2024, in Brownsville, Texas. He was born on November 29, 1950, in Brawley, California, and grew up in Brownsville. He attended Brownsville High School, then served in the United States Marine Corps, and later graduated summa cum laude from Texas Southmost College.

Mike’s closest childhood friend was Javier “Sonny” Vela. Mike spent a lot of time with the Vela’s and ended up becoming part of the family. In 1978, Mike married Sandra Vela, Sonny's sister. Mike and Sandra welcomed their two daughters, Shannon and Jessica. He adored his daughters, and he continuously strived to provide them with the best opportunities. He always encouraged his girls to aim high and achieve their goals.

In the early stages of his career, Mike was a chemical operator at Union Carbide in Brownsville. Following the closure of the local plant, he began commuting from Brownsville to Texas City to work at the Union Carbide facility, which eventually transitioned into Dow Chemical. In 2009, Mike retired to support his wife, Sandra, when she was diagnosed with cancer, accompanying her to all her medical appointments and treatments.

Mike had a passion for figuring out how things worked and loved to fix things. He had all the latest gadgets, tools and technology. After retiring, he invested in his daughter’s car wash. He truly enjoyed working on the machinery and equipment there and valued becoming a business owner.

Mike's greatest joy in life was being with his family. He would often sit, radiating happiness during holidays and family get-togethers. Mike cherished his grandchildren deeply. He enjoyed their company and preferred to be called "grandfather." He delighted in giving them rides on his tractor, taking them for cruises in his 1972 mustang convertible, and spending time with them at the ranch.

Mike was extremely fond of spending time outside in his yard. He had a passion for landscaping and gardening, inspired by his mother's love for gardenias. He dedicated himself to enhancing his home for the comfort of his family. He worked on home improvement projects one after the other for much of his life.

Mike loved visiting the Vela ranch. He was passionate about the land and its environmental impact. The Vela family embraced him as one of their own from the start. He made sure to keep the family informed about health and events, both in Brownsville and among relatives at the ranch. Later in life, Mike and Sandra spent much of their time working on a second home at the ranch, tackling various home improvement projects together. It brought him much joy to provide his grandkids with an ATV to have fun with at the ranch.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Tetreau; his daughters, Shannon Tetreau-Garza and Jessica Tetreau Kalifa; his sons-in-law, Reynaldo Garza and Arturo Kalifa; his grandchildren, Andrew, Abigail, Austin Kalifa, and Julianne Garza; his mother-in-law, Elvira Vela; and by his brother-in-law, Dan Vela. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie Tetreau; his sisters, Elise Tetreau and Fay Loomis; his father-in-law, Amador Vela; and by his brother-in-law, Javier Vela.

Mike's family and friends will remember him as a humble and kind man, with a steadfast devotion to family. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, reliable, and composed during challenging times. His children and grandchildren will hold his memory dear and strive towards becoming men and women he would be proud of. His wisdom and love will continue to thrive through his family.

Please join us in honoring George Michael “Mike” Tetreau’s life.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, the 8th of September 2024 between the hours of  four o'clock in the afternoon and nine o'clock at night, with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o'clock Sunday evening within the East Chapel of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home. 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 9th of September 2024 at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Drive, Brownsville. Interment with military honors will then follow, via an escorted procession, at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Boulevard, Brownsville.

Memories of Mike may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.