Jesus "Suess" Gonzales, 85 of Iliff passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017 at his home. Viewing will be from 10am to 6pm, Thursday, April 27 followed by a Vigil Service and Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30pm, Friday, April 28 at St.Catherine's Catholic Church in Iliff with the Very Rev. Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Jesus "Suess" Gonzales was born on August 4th 1931 to Doloras Rodriguez-Gonzales and Frank V. Gonzales in Kingsville, TX. The family moved to Colorado in 1945 residing in the Proctor/Iliff area. He farmed with his father and Ken-Dale farms. He also worked at Sterling Alfalfa and retired from Wisdom Industries after 35 dedicated years of service.
He met and married the love of his life, Mary Benavides, in 1961. The couple were married for 32 wonderful years and from this union 5 children were born,Rudolfo, Corinne, Julian, Louis and Fraylan.
Jesus was a faithful follower of Christ and an active member of his church; he was also part of the Iliff Lions Club for many years. In his early life he enjoyed coaching softball and going to dances with his wife. He loved his family and took pride in supporting his children in Football, Basketball, Wrestling and Baseball. He taught his grandchildren to hunt/fish and spent his summers with them at the Softball fields. He enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren take part in the Logan County Fair Rock Rolling contest and was always on the lookout for the perfect rock. Each summer he tended to his garden and shared his many fruits and vegetables with all. He was a constant presence at all of Caliche sports until his health prevented him from attending. He was a fan of the Broncos and Rockies and enjoyed watching and attending games with family and friends.
He is survived by his Daughter Corinne Benavides of Iliff, CO; sons Julian and wife Terri Gonzales of Merino, CO, Louis Gonzales of Iliff, CO, and Fraylan and wife Kari Gonzales of Firestone, CO; Grandchildren Rachele Davis (Jared), Nicole Herrera (Joel), JJ Gonzales (Michelle), Micah Gonzales, Taylor Gonzales, Madelynn Gonzales, Bailey Gonzales and Jacob Gonzales; Great-grandchildren Veronica Baray, Analise Baray, Isaac Gonzales, Cameron Herrera and Ryleigh Davis. He is also survived by numerous special nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Doloras and Frank; his wife Mary Gonzales; son Rudolfo; sister Mary Conde and brother Linden Gonzales.
We love you Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. We are thankful for your love and support throughout the years and you will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories.
Contributions may be made to the Jesus Gonzales Memorial Fund in care of Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.