Jose Gonzalez Jr

Jose Gonzalez Jr, 65, of Rapids City, passed away, July 8, 2024, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Silvis. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery Niche. Memorials may be made to Mayo Clinic. 

Jose was born on July 10, 1958, in Gonzalez, Tamaulipas, Mexico, the son of Maria and Jose Gonzalez Sr. He worked as an insurance salesman for various companies, winning many awards until his health forced him to retire. Jose was always proud of his Mexican heritage. In high school Jose was known for playing basketball, and running cross-country, holding several records. Jose was mechanically inclined, and he loved his large family and gardening. He especially loved being creative in the kitchen, and he was a great cook who loved a good home cooked meal. Jose would always ask people “What’s for dinner?”. He was always extremely friendly and never met a stranger.

Survivors include his parents; siblings Jesus (Evike), Nicolas (Maria Isabel), Maria, Guadalupe (Tony), Miguel (Rebeca), Manuel, Andres (Andrea), Carmen (Andrew), Jorge (Xochitl); children Kenlee (Jacob) Anderson, Jared Gonzalez, Casey (Shelbey Koester) Gonzalez, and Dana Ballenger; grandchildren Kaelyn, Diamond, Jamison, Kaleesi, Coan, Daisy, and baby Gonzalez (due January 2025); as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by Nancy, a dear friend and mother of his youngest child. She has been with him throughout the good and bad. The family would like to thank her for being such an important part of his life during these last days. Thank you, Nancy, for being part of our family.

He was preceded in death by his uncle Lalo.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Bois and the medical staff of Mayo Clinic for their care and patience with Jose and our family.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.