Patrick Gonzales Obituary

Patrick Gonzales passed away peacefully on November 3, 2012 at Colonial Columns Nursing Home, Colorado Springs, CO. Born in Taos, N.M. on January 8, 1940, the family moved to Worland/Ten Sleep, Wyoming then settled in Colorado Springs. Pat attended Helen Hunt Elementary School, South Junior High School, St. Mary's Catholic School then graduated with the last class of Colorado Springs High School. Pat spoke both Spanish and English fluently. He belonged to the Ventures Hot Rod Club and enjoyed working with friends on their cars. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Army, both at Ft. Riley, KS and in Germany guarding Checkpoint Charlie. While stateside at Ft. Riley, Pat achieved status as an expert rifleman. Upon completion of duty to his country, he resided for a time in Tampa, FL. He returned home, married and worked at Western Forge, retiring after 30 years. Pat was known for his incredible work ethic, kindness and generosity as evidenced by him selling his prized 1959 Corvette to pay off his widowed mothers' home when his father passed away. Pat was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Eliza Gonzales, sisters Helen Chavez and Lucille "Lou" Gonzales Oller, brothers John "Andy" and Edward as well as his wife Marcella (Howard) Gonzales. He is survived by brother Lawrence of Colorado Springs, sisters Isabel Wilkinson of Castle Rock and Bonnie Gonzales Ziegler of Elizabeth, three nieces, seven nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Services will be held on Thursday, November 15 at Ft. Logan Cemetary at 1 p.m., interrment following. Rest in Peace.