Benefit raffle planned to help local man continue specialized medical care
(Seguin) – Since he was a toddler, KWED listeners and readers of the Seguin Daily News have followed the journey of Justin Garcia – a journey that includes the tireless efforts of his parents, Loretta and Dan Garcia, who through all these years have navigated the medical challenges associated with their son’s rare neurological condition.
Now 33 years old, Justin has spent most of his life battling the rare vascular brain disorder first diagnosed when he was just 17 months old. Over the years, the Seguin community has repeatedly stepped up to help the Garcia family offset the significant costs associated with Justin’s treatment by supporting them with various fundraisers
This summer, Justin and his family will once again travel up north for critical medical appointments. Their two-week trip includes stops in Boston and New York, where Justin will meet with the only specialist in the country who is able to treat his rare condition.
But this time, Loretta Garcia says her son is facing some of the most difficult challenges he has ever encountered.
“Currently Justin still is dealing with the vascular
brain disorder,” said Garcia. “And then on top of that, he was just diagnosed in September with a new condition, which is called superficial siderosis.”
According to Loretta, this latest diagnosis is a rare neurological disorder caused by iron buildup in the brain and spinal cord.
“We’ve noticed a decline more so in him,” said Garcia. “Justin is no longer able to walk on his own.”
Meanwhile until they learn more, Loretta says Justin is left dealing with significant pain.
“Justin suffers a lot of pain in his legs and his head and his back,” said Garcia.
The condition has also affected his hearing, which has noticeably worsened over the past year.
“He’s losing his hearing,” said Garcia. “We’re having to make a lot of adjustments with the house for him.”
Justin is now wheelchair bound.
Loretta says the family has also been left with making the necessary accommodations to better care for him.
“He is in a wheelchair now. Anywhere we go, we put him in a wheelchair,” said Garcia.
Raffle, pg. 4
Friend, continued.
According to Contreras, CPS officials shared that Wheeler had previously expressed a desire for her children to be placed with her should anything ever happen.
“The caseworker was crying when she told me,” said Contreras. “She said Katrina had made it known that if something happened to her, she wanted the kids to be with me. The least I can do is grant my best friend her wishes.”
The tragedy has left Contreras grieving the loss of a lifelong friend while simultaneously adjusting to becoming the primary caregiver for two additional children.
Before the children arrived, Contreras was already raising four children of her own, ranging in age from 9 to 17. She and her family had recently moved into a new home and were settling into a new chapter of life.
Despite the challenges, Contreras says her focus right now “remains squarely on the children.”
“The thing is, I didn’t expect this,” said Contreras. “But I will gladly take them in and be there for them because she would do the same for me. I know that without a doubt.”
However, the adjustment has come with immediate needs.
During the investigation, many of the children’s belongings, including electronics, were taken as evidence. Contreras says her own children have been sharing tablets and devices while she works to replace necessities.
She’s also trying to create bedrooms that feel like home.
“I just want to make them as comfortable as possible,” said Contreras. “I want to get Kehlani a bed, maybe a princess bed or something. They need clothes and shoes. Kehlani’s walking around in sandals that are too big.”
The children wear size 6-7 clothing. John wears approximately a size 12-1 shoe, while Kehlani wears a youth size 1.
Contreras says she is thankful for the support already shown by friends, coworkers, and educators. Teachers from Patlan Elementary and Ball Early Childhood Center are expected to visit the children this week bringing along books and other resources to help them through the transition.
She is also grateful for understanding employers and coworkers who have helped her balance work responsibilities alongside the sudden demands of caring for six children.
However, this isn’t the first time Contreras has stepped into a parenting role for children in need. She has previously helped raise a niece and nephew, providing the stability and guidance they needed to succeed – and all before she had her own children. In fact, today, one of those children is preparing to purchase his own home.
Those who know Contreras say her willingness to help others is simply who she is. Even the night before her friend’s death, Contreras shared with the Seguin Daily
a text conversation that showed how Katrina was in need of a listening ear and how both were planning to get the kids together that night.
While Contreras is reluctant to ask for assistance herself, she acknowledges that support directed toward the children is what they deserve.
“These kids have been through enough,” said Contreras. “I just want to do the best I can for them.”
Wheeler was the mother of five children. While only Kehlani and John Jr. were in her custody at the time of her death, Contreras says her friend’s love for all of her children was never in question.
“She had a rough life and regretted some of the choices she made,” said Contreras. “But one thing she never stopped doing was loving her kids.”
As the family continues navigating grief, court proceedings, and CPS requirements, Contreras says she remains committed to providing the children with stability, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.
For now, she says that’s what matters most.
Community members wishing to assist Kehlani and John Jr. may do so through donations that will go directly toward the children’s clothing, household needs, educational resources, and other expenses as they adjust to their new living situation.
Katrina was fatally shot in the late afternoon while loading up items in the trunk of her vehicle in the Seguin Walmart parking lot. Charged with her death was her soon to be ex-husband and the biological father of the two children 42, year old John Wheeler. Katrina’s brother was also shot during the incident and is recovering. John, who fled the scene with the children, but later arrested remains in custody. He currently faces charges of both murder and aggravated assault.
Those wishing to donate directly to the children or provide Amazon gift cards for essential items, contact Contreras at 512-985-4154. Donations can also be made via Cash App @ $mcontreras777.
News,
Raffle continued.
The family is again organizing a benefit raffle and accepting donations through GoFundMe to help cover travel expenses, medical costs, and other ongoing needs.
The raffle drawing is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at 3 p.m. and will be streamed live on Facebook. Supporters are also welcome to attend in person at the Garcia family home in Kingsbury.
Tickets are $5 each or five tickets for $20.
Among the raffle prizes are a Blackstone griddle package, a Master Forge propane grill, a DeWalt drill and impact driver combo kit, Michael Kors and Coach handbags, Gucci and Louis Vuitton accessories, a Keurig coffee maker, and
several gift card packages.
Loretta says the family remains deeply grateful for the support they have received over the years.
“We just couldn’t have done it without the support of the community and the family and friends who’ve been behind us,” said Garcia. “It’s been a tough journey. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and ask for continued prayers.”
Anyone wishing to purchase raffle tickets or make a donation can contact Loretta Garcia at (210) 995-7923 or Dan Garcia at (830) 243-1902. Donations can also be sent through Cash App $lorettagarcia, Venmo @Loretta-Garcia-38, Facebook Pay, or the family’s GoFundMe campaign.
VITAL STATISTICS
WILLMANN
Charles Julius “Charlie” Willmann, Sr., age 101 of Seguin, passed away on April 25, 2026. Charles was born on March 31, 1925, in Seguin, Texas to Ethelda (Behrendt) and Charles Willmann, and grew up on his family farm in Seguin.
Charlie is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Patricia “Patty” Willmann, his parents, and his sister, Ethel Willard and her husband D. B.
Survivors include his children, Charles “Chuck” J. Willmann, Jr. and wife Kay, Daniel N. Willmann and wife Carol and Jennie Willmann Moseley and husband Mike; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchild; other loving family members and a host of friends.
WOSNIG
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Wosnig, aged 95, lifelong resident of Guadalupe County. She was born to Alex and Annie (Hagemann) Weniger in Seguin on March 22, 1931.
She grew up in Seguin and graduated from Seguin High School in 1949. She married Kermit Wosnig on July 12, 1952, and moved to Marion where she resided for the rest of her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Kermit, brothers and sisters-in-law Wallace and Lucille Weniger, Frank and Nelda Weniger, brotherin- law Morris Wosnig, grandsons Jesse Collins and Kermit Mikolajczyk.
She is survived by daughters Diana Wosnig and Donna Wosnig (Gerald Zwicke) of Marion, Doreen Lucas (Dean) of Angleton, TX, and Karen Brooks (Scott) of Canutillo, TX; grandchildren Dallas Mikolajczyk, Lisa Tate (Anthony), Sarah Wester (Grayson), Clarie Bristow (Brandon), Cindy Jackson (Jimmy), Joshua Collins (Kylie), Michael David Lucas, Garrett Lucas (Hannah), Reagan Lucas (Maurice Spolan), Tyler Brooks (Kelsey), and Bowen Brooks; greatgrandchildren Rhema Mikolajczyk, Jacob Tate (Caitlynn), Deborah Tate, Abigail Tate (Chase Adams), Josiah Tate, Bravery Wester, Justus Wester, Abel Wester, Meritt Wester, Haven Joy Wester, Kylie Bristow, Caleb Bristow, Lane Pawelek, Luke Jackson, Tyler Jackson (Hannah), Tenley Jackson, Jonah Collins, Quinton Collins, Livi Collins, Archer Collins, Bailey Brooks, Samuel Brooks, and Malachi Lucas; great-great grandchildren Brayden Tate, Cayden
A Life Service celebration is being planned at the Texas Agricultural and Heritage Center (Big Red Barn), on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with remarks made at 2 p.m., 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Texas, 78155, sometime this summer.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 870, Seguin, Texas, 78156, the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center (Red Barn), 250 Cordova Road, Seguin, Tx, 78155, Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation, 1215 East Court St., Seguin, Texas, 78155 or to Guadalupe County Children’s Advocacy Center, 265 Wetz, Seguin, Texas, 78155.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Tate, Willow Adams, and sister-in- law Evelyn Wosnig.
Dorothy was well loved by all who were privileged to know her. She was a devout Christian, and a diligent worker having retired from two careers (first from civil service at Randolph AFB, then as an LVN for several years. She was a previous city councilwoman in Marion, she served on the committee to plan Marion’s anniversary celebration, and was active in the Marion Community Library activities, and Marion Historical Society. She achieved multiple awards in her life including Sustained Superior Performance while working at Randolph.
She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and the Guadalupe County EE Club. Most importantly, her priorities were her Christian values and family, as she served as a stellar role model of how to live a successful life. She will be sorely missed by all her who knew her.
The family would like to thank Eden Hill and Eden Hospice for their superior care, and for her daughters Doreen and Karen for caring for her at home in her final days where she was able to pass peacefully on the family farm where she spent so many years.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Tres Hewell Mortuary Chapel followed by the funeral at 10:00 am. with the Reverend Jeremy Roy officiating. Interment will follow in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Gerth Celebration Center.
Serving as pallbearers will be Dorothy’s grandsons, Dallas Mikolajczyk, Joshua Collins, Michael David Lucas, Garrett Lucas, Tyler Brooks, and Bowen Brooks.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Community Library, 201 S. Center St., Marion, Texas, 78124 or to the charity of one’s choice.
You are invited to sign the guest book at www.treshewell.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr., Seguin, Texas, 78155, 830-549-5912.
Multistate Effort Urging F1 To End Tobacco, Nicotine Sponsorships
(Baltimore, MD) -- A coalition of attorneys general from 19 states and jurisdictions is calling on Formula 1 racing to end sponsorships involving tobacco and nicotine products. The coalition has sent a letter to racing leadership expressing concern that tobacco companies are reaching young audiences through high-profile motorsports sponsorships. The letter specifically cites nicotine pouch advertising connected to F1 teams and events. The tobacco industry watchdog, STOP, applauded the AGs for their move. Back in March, 160 international public health organizations and advocates called on Formula 1 to eliminate tobacco and nicotine sponsorships from the sport.
Apple Previews New Child Safety Features
(Cupertino, CA) -- Apple is previewing its new child safety features. They’re being rolled out to make it easier for parents to manage the content their kids can see, who they’re talking to and when they have access to apps. Apple views these steps as important to protect children. It says these safety features are designed to build on already-existing parental controls. The company also says the first and most important step a parent ca.326n take to ensure ageappropropriate experiences is to set up a child account. It’s required for children under 13 and is available for those up to 18.
Wyze Recalls Solar Security Cameras
(Kirkland, WA) -- A popular home security camera is under recall because one wrong screw could spark a fire risk. Wyze [[ wise ]] Labs is recalling Solar Cam Pan cameras sold online and at stores like Amazon and Home Depot. The instructions may point owners to a screw that can puncture the lithium-ion battery. Wyze reports overheating, fires, and burns. Owners should stop using the cameras and check Wyze’s recall page for a refund or replacement.
HHS Gets More Food Training In Medical School
(Washington, DC) -- Future doctors are getting more training on food and health. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior announced Monday that another 19 medical schools are pledging at least 40 hours of nutrition education starting this fall. HHS says the goal is to help doctors talk more with patients about diet and chronic disease. The pledge now covers 73 schools in 36 states and over 52-thousand students.
