Luis J Gonzales

Luis J Gonzales, 94, passed away in Walsenburg, CO on April 4, 2025 following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by five children Vivian Ludi (Victor) of El Paso, TX, Dennis Gonzales (Nanci) of Centennial, CO, Kathleen Lucero of Pueblo, CO, Sharon Deel of Las Vegas, NM, Luis M Gonzales (Charlotte) of Rio Rancho, NM; 11 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; and nine great great-grandchildren; brother James Gonzales (Anthony); sister Mercy Swanson (David); sister-in-law Toni Gonzales; Uncle Arthur Aleman (Magdalena); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Victoria Dora, his parents Manuel and Dolores Gonzales, siblings Edwin Gonzales, Clara Mascareñas and husband Augustine, Dolores Urioste and husband Marcus, and granddaughter Brieann (Heather) Manzanares.
Luis was born in Cokedale, CO. The eldest of six children, he was raised in Trinidad, CO, graduating from Holy Trinity High School. He met the love of his life Victoria Dora Martinez at the general store in Koehler, NM. They were united in Holy Matrimony on December 30, 1950 just prior to his reporting to active duty and deployment to the Korean Conflict. As the company pay clerk he assured that all personnel in his unit received their pay. Following discharge from the Army he was one of two male nurses that graduated from the Saint Mary Corwin School of Nursing in 1957 and the first to use the GI Bill to attend that school.
Louie, Colonel, Mr Gonzales, Mr G was a longtime resident of Las Vegas, NM, retiring there in 1978, following a dignified career in the US Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and began his career with the Officer Basic Orientation Course at Fort Sam Houston, TX. His initial assignment was Camp Carson, CO and he closed out his career as a Lieutenant Colonel at Fort Knox, KY. His assignments spanned the United States, Puerto Rico and Germany. A stellar role model and true hero, Luis saved lives on the battlefield, administering anesthesia and a record number of blood transfusions at the 2nd Surgical Hospital (MA) in Vietnam (MASH). He participated in research protocols on the implementation of multiple general and regional anesthesia agents. He was an integral team member, providing anesthesia for lengthy open heart surgery, at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, early in its implementation in the US Army. He was often requested to provide anesthesia for colleagues and their family members as well as to translate for Spanish speaking foreign dignitaries. He voluntarily provided anesthesia at the Georgia Infirmary, a historically black hospital in Savannah GA, keeping the hospital from closing its surgery department during his tenure.
Following his military retirement, he continued his nursing career in supervisory roles at the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute and the Penitentiary of New Mexico.
He was a revered Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars San Juan Argonne Post 1547 Las Vegas, NM for 25 years, serving as VFW District Commander three times during his tenure. Along with Victoria, Luis was an avid Volksmarcher while stationed in Landstuhl, Germany; he was very proud of his large collection of Volksmarch medals. He represented New Mexico in Race Walking at the National Senior Olympics multiple times. He was a devout Denver Broncos fan.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the ASPCA or the Veteran's Association of your choice.
A Rosary will be prayed at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Las Vegas, NM on April 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows on May 1, 2025, at 9:00 am followed by the Interment of Luis' cremains with military honors at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Santa Fe, NM at 2:00 pm.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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