Edward J Gonzalez passed away on December 27 at Box Butte General Hospital with his family by his side.
Edward was born November 16, 1934 to Fernando and Patrocinia (Vargas) Gonzalez at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, NE. At the age of 17 he started working part-time for Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. Upon graduation from Alliance High School in 1954 he made a career working with CB&Q/BNSF Railroad. After 45 years of loyal service to the railroad he retired in December 2000.
Ed was a polished musician throughout his life and played his music in Alliance and all of the surrounding towns. He loved to make people happy with his music, and always enjoyed playing and listening to the great Big Band artists. Ed was also a lover of German Shepherd Dogs and owned many pets throughout his life.
Ed played baseball in the Alliance City League and Town League and travelled all around the area. He coached his two sons for little league baseball for 18 years and then went on to coach them for their softball teams in his later years.
Edward married Cecilia Castro, the love of his life on September 22, 1957. To this union they had five children.
He is survived by his wife Cecilia; his children, Arlene (Jim) Smith of Denver, Colorado, Adrian (Pasha) Gonzalez of Alliance, Celeste Hull, Denver, Colorado and Samantha Gonzalez of Alliance; his grandchildren, Alexis Lautterbach, Zachariah Boslau, Drew Lautterbach, John John Nunez, Dylan Smith, Sierra Gonzalez, and Anthony Ricardo Gonzalez and his great-granddaughter, Celina Borrego. He is also survived by his brothers, Rojelio Gonzalez, Valdosta, GA; Dick (Renita) Gonzalez, Alliance, NE, Rita (Mike) Alvarado, Alliance, NE, Linda (Gary) Osborn, Alliance, NE and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, his son Ricardo (Gonzo) Gonzalez, and a brother.
Funeral services will take place Saturday January 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery and Father Lou Nollette officiating. A Rosary will be held Friday, January 2 at Holy Rosary Church at 7:00p.m. Visitation will be Friday from 1-4 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Donations can be sent to PAWS organization, Old Timers Baseball, and the Hemingford Football Team.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com