Kevin Gonzalez

1971 - 2025

Kevin Ray Gonzalez (ShooShoo) passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, in the arms of his momma, Denise (Prescott) Wixson at the age of 53. Kevin was surrounded by his family and the wonderful staff at the University of Michigan Hospital 8th Floor PICU.
Kevin was born on Dec. 15, 1971, in Albion Michigan to Denise (Prescott) and Luciano (MoMo) Gonzalez Jr. When Kevin was born the doctor told Denise to put him in an institution for children with Down syndrome. 18-year-old Denise instructed the doctor to provide her with whatever paperwork she needed to sign to take her son home with her, a decision she would never regret. She could not imagine living in a world without Kevin's unconditional love, a love that only God could have sent through such an adorable child giving us all a little piece of heaven on earth. Denise raised Kevin not to see the differences in people but to learn from those differences and how they make the world a better place.
He was baptized at St John's Catholic Church. He took his first communion and was confirmed at St. James' Episcopal Church, where he was an acolyte.
Kevin and Denise walked life's journey together and together they set any path on fire! One of their first paths was to Detroit Children's Hospital, with the support of Dr. Marta Airala, to see if Kevin was a candidate for open heart surgery. They were told no because the hospital did not perform open heart surgery on children with Down syndrome. Denise was not deterred and continually called the hospital and administration refusing to take no for an answer. On Feb. 21, 1976, Kevin received his surgery and paved the way for his cousin, Stephanie Gonzalez, to have the same surgery 13 years later under the care of the same surgeon.
When Kevin was seven, Denise was asked if she would consider him to participate in the Big Brother Program. She told the director that she would if Kevin was partnered with someone special. He was the first Down syndrome child to be matched to an Albion College Student. The day he met his Big brother, Joe (Julie) Serra, was the start of a loving friendship that lasted over 40 years. Joe's younger brother, Jeff, also has Down syndrome. Spending time with Kevin gave Joe insight into what Jeff was capable of achieving and made them a perfect fit! Their friendship included Joe's parents, Al and Lois Serra, and his nine siblings.
To know Kevin was to love Kevin. He was the life of the party, loved to watch scary movies, play chicken foot, enjoyed big time wrestling, listening to Motown hits, and he was hands down the world's biggest Michael Jackson fan. Most of all Kevin loved his family. He had a special name for each sibling ans he blessed many friends and family with their own names. His Kevinisms, words of love, will be spoken for many years to come. He had a profound impact on many lives, and his passing has left a gaping void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of being loved by him.
Waiting for Kevin in heaven are his daddy David Wic Wixson, dad MoMo Gonzalez, sister and brother-in-law Alison and Heath Brown Sr., brother Jasin Gonzalez, grandparents Kenneth and Martha Prescott and Luciano and Cruz Gonzalez Sr., uncles Eduardo Generi & Dennis Nisse, Cousin Jessie Gonzalez Jr., and best friends Big & Little Ricky Flores.
Kevin is survived by his loving mother, Denise (Prescott) Wixson; his siblings Terri (Todd Ackles) Wixson, Michael (Christina) Wixson, Erin (Danny Ranney) Prescott-Scott, Rebecca Beatty, Miguel Gonzalez, Andrea (Marvin) Druce, and their mom Kathy Kline, Zachary Gonzalez and his mom Nicole Gonzalez; sister-in-Law Lesley Mier Brown.
He will be sorely missed by his bonus siblings Ashley (Norm) Payne, Adrienne (Derek) Solis-Sherman, Alexandria (Joseph) Solis-Mullen, Joaquin (Melissa) Solis, and Jade Tautkus and bonus moms, Susie Solis and Sue Ott, best friends Julie Plassman, Craig (Denise) Hays and Teresa Ellis.
He leaves behind his aunts and uncles, Kathryn Nisse, Gayle (Tony) Buscaino, Margaret Generi, Eva Leffew, Lynn (Bob) Shepard, Debby (John) Forsyth, John (Sherry) Gonzalez, Jessie Gonzalez Sr., Valdemar Lolo (Donna) Gonzalez, and Louie Gonzalez.
Kevin's nieces and nephews (and their friends) call him ShooShoo, the name his nephew Joshua gave him. He was the happiest when the house was filled with his babies. He leaves behind 32 nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews with one on the way, as well as his godchildren, Aric Holloway and Chris (Toccara) Gaddis. Additionally, his Godparents Mama Josie and Papa Phil Hernandez and their daughter Kelly (Dan) Talamantez. He leaves behind the most loving, caring cousins and their many friends who adored him. Kevin's many blessings blended two sides of his family and like him share a bond that will never end.
Since 2017 Kevin had been under the close care of many specialists from the University of Michigan. His stays and care there were always on the 8th floor PICU where he made friends with all and had the adoration of the staff. The staff would tell Denise that she moved mountains for Kevin. Her typical response was to remind them that Kevin made the mountains lighter, and the other side was always beautiful. His family would like to thank Jennifer Burnham and Staff at Oaklawn Medical along with Oaklawn Radiology staff Angie and Jackie for the loving care they gave Kevin over the years. When Denise needed help taking care of Kevin's daily medical needs his sister Erin, Aunt Gayle, cousin Jennifer Cooley, nephew Kenny Prescott and niece Natalie Scott always stepped in without hesitation. We ask that you remember Kevin for the way he lived and for the profound impact he had on the lives of so many.
To all the people who loved Kevin and stayed beside Denise to the end, her family, children and grandchildren, would like to say, "Thank you so much." Denise will need that continued support so please do not hesitate to call her, stop by the house, or stop her when you see her.
Denise welcomes friends and family to celebrate Kevin's life on Saturday June 14 at Venue 19 Zero 9 located at 112 N. Eagle St., in Marshall. Visitation will be 10-11:30 a.m. with a formal service at 11:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. Kevin has been cremated and his ashes will be placed with his grandma, Martha Prescott per her wishes, and a headstone will be placed in his memory beside her and his grandpa at Rice Creek Cemetery.