Juan M Gonzalez

A gentle man. Respectful and reserved. The epitome of the American dream. Born in Capilla de Guadalupe, Jalisco, Mexico on June 29, 1944. He was the oldest of 10 children. Growing up he worked hard on his father's ranch, Las Motas. This selfless service and hard work defined him. He was always a shining example of how to take care of other people. He gave of himself freely and always put others first.

In 1966, he married his one true love, Esperanza. She was his strength, his inspiration, and he loved her beyond measure. During their 60 years together they raised six children, ten grandchildren, and most recently, one great granddaughter, who he lovingly called Chula.

In 1970 he came to America like so many before him - with nothing but courage and an unstoppable determination to provide a better life for his family. Working tirelessly to establish himself and build a home so that his wife and children could join him, he started as a landscaper while teaching himself English. Eventually working nights at a factory where he was eventually promoted to foreman. It took him 7 years to bring his family here but his selfless efforts built a life and a home.

He started in the restaurant business in Des Plaines with his twin brother, Jesus, in the early 1980s. By 1989 he had ventured out on his own in Palatine, where he opened Mexico Uno. It was a family restaurant in the truest sense, run by Juan and his family for families. Every day for 33 years, Juan spent countless hours at the restaurant. His hard work and passion for traditional Mexican cuisine built it into one of the most popular places in town. He didn't do it for popularity or accolades, though he earned plenty of both. He did it for his family.

His selfless commitment to take care of other was his core. He loved to garden and would always make sure that his bountiful harvest of vegetables and herbs was shared by his family and neighbors. That commitment, however, did not extend to squirrels. He would often be found enjoying quiet moments outside in the sun with his sombrero and a tequila or a Tecate, standing guard over the garden.

In his retirement he found joy in spending time on his ranch outside of Las Palmitas, where he had a bull, some cows, and grew maiz. He loved going to the casino and playing slots. He devoutly attended mass every Saturday night with Esperanza at St. Mary's in Des Plaines. But most of all, he found joy in his abounding love for his family.

He was a wonderful husband, a loving father, an incredible grandfather and great grandfather, and the truest example of a life well lived.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Vicente and Guadalupe Gonzalez; his daughter, Rosa Vargas; and his 3 brothers, and 1 sister. He is survived by his wife Esperanza; his children Elly (Sergio) Gonzalez, Jaime (Marta) Gonzalez, Ofelia (Jon) Gonzalez, Irene (Joaquin) Gonzalez, and Celia (Timothy) Kallenborn; his grandchildren, Mary Ann Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Monica Gonzalez, Jonathan Gonzalez, Tony Gonzalez, Miguel Gonzalez, Luis Gonzalez, Daniela Gonzalez, Anna Gonzalez, and Isabel Gonzalez; and his great granddaughter, Alita Rosa Moore.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Family to meet at 9:00 AM on Monday, April 13th, 2026 for prayers at Oehler Funeral Home before procession to Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 794 Pearson Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016.