Artemio Gonzalez

Artemio Gonzalez was born on January 15, 1926, to Ambrocio and Eva Gonzalez. He died peacefully in his sleep on April 8th, 2010, at the age of 84, at his home in La Mesa, NM. He lived a full life and was able to accomplish all of his dreams and goals. He had a successful business and was able to travel to several places around the world with his eldest son Artemio Jr. and brother Abel Gonzalez. He was an entrepreneur.
Artemio started his dairy, Gonzalez Dairy, north of Las Cruces at the old Taylor Dairy Farm location in August of 1966 with 35 dairy cows.
There were no employees at this time; family members did all work. By the end of the second year, he purchased the 180-acre dairy site southeast of Mesquite, which was the first dairy in the area. By the end of the third year at the Taylor Dairy Farm Location, he was ready to move to the new Gonzalez Dairy site in Mesquite, NM with 300 head of dairy cows, heifers, and calves. In 1978 Gonzalez Dairy bought its first farm in Dell City, Texas. Over the next twenty years additional farms were added to the operation. Artemio worked everyday of his life on his dairy and farms until three years ago when his was no longer able to. He was a strong great man who cared deeply for his family. He was always there to give his opinions and suggestions to whomever needed it. He was a good teacher to many, and always encouraged everyone especially his family to go the extra mile and to get an education. He led by example and he will be deeply missed by his family and many others whose lives he touched. He is survived by his two sons Artemio Gonzalez Jr. of Dell City, TX; Joe L. Gonzalez of Mesquite, NM; his three daughters, Maria Gonzalez of La Mesa, NM; Iris Gonzalez of Las Cruces, NM; and Gloria
(Gonzalez) Nevins of Mesquite, NM. He is survived by his brothers Abel
(California): Arbey (Cd. Mier Tamaulipas); Arturo (Texas); Alvaro (Cd.
Mier Tamaulipas); and his sisters Amparo (Texas); Alma Pura (Texas); Adalgisa (Texas); Analida (Mexico); Araceli (Mexico); and Betty (Mexico). He is survived by his 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years America G. Gonzalez, his granddaughter Rebecca Valverde, his great-granddaughter Lianna Rain Jones, his parents and several brothers and sisters. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Getz Funeral Home where the Rosary will follow at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be at 10 am on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1327 N. Miranda, Las Cruces, NM with entombment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Officiating will be Fr.
Martin Cordero. Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001 To sign the local online guest book or send condolences go to www.getzfuneralhome.com