Enrique P. Gonzalez

Enrique P. Gonzalez, 94, of Bayard, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at his home. Visitation will be held at 1-7 PM on Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bayard with a rosary service at 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 PM Friday, August 21, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bayard with Father Dave Rykwalder officiating. Interment will follow at Bayard Cemetery. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.bbchapels.com.

Enrique was born on September 1, 1920 in Parral, Mexico to Jose and Maria (Perez) Gonzalez. Enrique became the main supporter of his mother and three younger sisters at a very early age and continued to support his family in Mexico throughout his lifetime.

Enrique migrated to the United States in his early 20’s. He and his wife, Belen Miramontes, of Scottsbluff, had four children from that union; Joe, Juan, Elva, and Stella. After Belen’s passing, Enrique married Dominga Segura of Bayard and Enrique became the beloved stepfather of Pedro, Delia and John Segura. Enrique and Dominga had five children together; Louie, Mary, Roberto, Sylvia and Rebecca.

Enrique worked 36 years at the Rendering Plant in Scottsbluff. He then worked campaigns at the Bayard Sugar Factory and later as a grounds keeper in Sparks, Nevada, until his retirement.

Enrique had a great love and talent for gardening. He took great pride in his gardening skills. Enrique could often be seen sitting underneath the shade of his favorite tree working on his gardening tools. He was always accompanied by his faithful dog, Choncho. The two were inseparable.

Enrique leaves a legacy of love for his family, an incredible work ethic, a green thumb, and a compassion for animals. He will be deeply missed by his children, numerous grandchildren and lifelong friends.

Enrique is survived by a sister Bernadina; children Pedro (Sharon) Segura of CO., Delia Vallejo of AZ., Juan Gonzales of ID., John (Mary) Segura of TX., Elva Alvarado of UT., Stella (Mauro) Perez of CA., Louie (Feliz) Gonzales of NV., Mary Ybarra of Bayard, Sylvia (Mitchel) Alicea of Omaha, Roberto (Yolanda) Gonzales of Bayard, Rebecca (Vicente) Garcia of Scottsbluff and daughter-in-law Kathy (Joe) Gonzales of SC.; and numerous beloved grandchildren.

Enrique was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dominga; son Joe; and two sisters, Lupe and Juana.

Enrique’s family is especially grateful to the Prairie Haven Hospice staff for all the care and support they provided, his longtime physician, Dr. Papenfus, and to a special neighbor, Paula Contreras, for all her help and support.