Fred Gonzales

Federico (Fred) Gonzales was born on August 4, 1944, in Brush, Colorado, to fieldworkers Julian and Rosario (Arguello) Gonzales. He grew up in a small ribbon village in La Manga, New Mexico, where he herded goats as a young boy. He remained there until his early teens, when he moved to Denver in 1960 to live with his grandparents.

Even at a young age, Fred was the heart and provider for his family. He will always be remembered for those early sacrifices, and later as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend. He was a man with a kind heart, integrity, an old-school sense of life, and an unwavering love of selflessness—always putting his family first. As the leader of his household, he served as a dedicated member and deacon of his church. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide for those he loved, teaching the values of hard work by example until he retired in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Julia Gonzales, whom he married in 1981, her memory remained close to his heart throughout the years. Though they are no longer with us, we find comfort knowing they have been reunited in eternal peace. His life will forever be cherished and remembered by his surviving family: Children: Gabriel, Tony, Valentina, and Adam. Grandchildren; Dominic, Marina, Orlando, Daniel, Julian, Jordan, Monika, Janae, and Adam Jr. plus extended great-grandchildren and in-laws. Surviving Siblings: Brothers: Julian Jr. and Joseph; Sisters: Dorthy, Rene, and Eleanor.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that his love, and example will remain with us always. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.