Nick Gonzales

Nick's earthly journey ended on January 3, 2025 at the age of 86. He passed away in
blessed peace with Ona, his wife of 64 years, his children and grandchildren by his
side. We will miss him so much and are grateful for the time we shared with him.
Early on in Nick's life, he developed his commitment to a strong work ethic by
working as a teenager in various jobs including ground maintenance for Monte Vista
Cemetery, a carry out at Arapahoe Super Market and was an attendant at Green &
White Filling Station. After graduating from Monte Vista High School in 1958, he
enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned
to the Valley and trucked for Staley Starch Plant, butchered for Nelson Dress Meats,
sold tickets at the Star Drive Inn and later worked as an appraiser for Rio Grande
County, while also completing his education at Adams State College. Nick received
his B.A. in Business Administration and Industrial Arts in 1969. His professional
career began as an industrial arts teacher at Monte Vista Junior High School where
he also coached basketball and football. At the inception of the San Luis Valley
Vocational School, Nick taught the business courses until it closed. Nick's career
continued for 33 years as a bi-lingual field representative for Social Security
Administration and retired in 2005.
Nick was a quiet servant during his time with us. He served on various committees
and boards including; Monte Vista School Board Member, Selective Service Member,
Victims Advocate for the 12th Judicial District appointed by Judge Ogburn, Election
Judge for Rio Grande County, deputized as a volunteer Rio Grande County Sheriff's
deputy by Forest Robran for community events, Life member of Monte Vista Elks,
Knight of Columbus Member, Chaperon for various 4-H activities and was a Stable
Management Judge for United States Pony Club.
Nick's greatest pride was found in his family. He valued higher education and he
stressed, encouraged and demanded that his children earned one. He felt enormous
reward in their accomplishments and their degrees in Mechanical Engineering,
Computer Networking, Accounting and Counseling. Nicks generosity was constant.
Along with his hopes and demands for his children, he gave unconditional support
to his sons as they continued his enthusiasm for restoring collector and muscle cars.
His knowledge of the mechanical working of vehicles was unsurpassed. He gave the
same support to his daughters and granddaughters who were competitively
involved in horsemanship. His children remember fondly their experiences with
him as he challenged the mountains high with his 4-wheel driving skills and hauling
horses to competitive events in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
During his retirement, Nick was a companion to his grandchildren and able to spend
numerous hours creating adventures and memories. He gave them knowledge in all
the same areas as his children, his expectation remained high for them and
supported them in their hobbies of motocross, competitive horseback riding and
had that special kind of freedom a grandparent gets in creating mischievous events
that will be cherished memories for them.
Nick's children are Timothy R. Gonzales (Elaine), Nick E. Gonzales, Jr., Maria J.
Gonzales-Thomson and Ginger Butero (JR).
Nick's grandchildren are Nicole Madrill (Kemper Harris) of Fayetteville GA, Jennifer
Heckman (Paul) of Grand Junction CO, Jessica Cooper of Eugene OR, Nikki Gonzales
of Wellington, CO, Joseph Gonzales of Denver, CO, Timothy R. Gonzales Jr. of Denver,
CO, Robert Gonzales of Denver CO, Savona Thomson of Monte Vista CO, Garett
Thomson of Monte Vista CO, Annika Butero of Monte Vista CO, Zane Butero of Monte
Vista CO and Quinn Butero of Monte Vista CO.
Nick's great grandchildren are Evan Heckman, Corbin George, Rylan Gonzales, Olivia
Gonzales, Juleah Gonzales and Madelyn Gonzales.
Nick has one sister, Marge Maes of Moreno Valley CA, one brother, Robert Gonzales
(Sandy) of Foley AL, brother-in-law Victor Ast (Laura), numerous nieces, nephews,
grand nieces, grand nephews and so many others too numerous to name. Nick was
preceded in death by his parents Joe S. Gonzales and Julia Gonzales.
Nick chose cremation. Services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Monte
Vista, Colorado on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Praying of the rosary will begin at
9:30 am, funeral mass at 10:00 am with inurnment to follow immediately at the San Luis Valley Cemetery. The family invites you to join them at their home to continue to celebrate his life and share togetherness. To leave online condolences please visit; romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.