Richard T. “Dick” Gonzalez, 74, passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Medical Center of the Rockies at Loveland, CO.
He was born October 15, 1941 in Alliance, NE.
He married Renita K. Rusk on July 30, 1960 in Alliance.
He is survived by loving wife Renita (Rusk) Gonzalez, his son, Jeff (Gayle) Gonzalez, Lincoln, his daughters, Deedee Gay, Alliance, Debra Holden, Ogallala, Brenda (Joe) Herian, Alliance, Audrey (Rick) Ridenour, Alliance, and 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Rogelio Gonzalez, Valdosta, GA, Ralph (Florence) Gonzalez, Alliance and his sisters, Rita (Mike) Alvarado and Linda (Gary) Osborn, both of Alliance and his sister-in-law, Cecilia Gonzalez of Alliance and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fernando and Patrocinia (Vargas) Gonzalez and two brothers Edward Gonzalez and Mick Gonzalez and his sister-in-law, Kazuko Gonzalez.
He was married to Renita for fifty- five years and the two were active supporters of Alliance High School athletics and fine arts. He remained active in Holy Rosary Parish and was an active Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus at both the local and state level. He was active in the community as a member of the Alliance Jaycees and held numerous local and state offices. He was employed by Burlington Northern/BNSF as a carman and while employed served as both Local Chairman and Treasurer of the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was a volunteer at the Sallows Military Museum. As a senior in high school he was employed by a trailer company to design the trailers that would be their company’s product line. He then took his talents to another level helping design homes and churches in Nebraska as well as financial institutions, and the Cathedral in Rapid City, South Dakota. He, along with his brother, coached their sons and nephews in Little League Baseball for several years and instilled sportsmanship and the desire to compete in many young men of the community. Not to be left out, he coached his daughters, granddaughters, and other young ladies in the sport of softball as they grew up. His most enjoyable experiences came from watching his grandchildren participate in their many activities and being around his family.
Many people throughout the community will remember his vibrant, outgoing personality as he helped manage accounts with Pepsi-Cola and the local beer distributorship. His willingness to help others is something that will be truly missed.
Funeral Services will take place Friday, July 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with burial at Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary will be held Thursday, June 30 at Holy Rosary Church at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will beThursday from 9-5 at Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.