from the topeka capital-journal:
Juan Gonzales Sr., 61, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2005, at his home.
He was born Dec. 19, 1943, in Plateros, Zacatecas, Mexico the son of Narcisso H. and Guadalupe Z. Blea.
He married Marcela Saenz on Sept. 23, 1963, in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico. She survives.
Other survivors include four daughters, Niomi Burget and her husband, Rick, Veronica Carnahan and her husband, Bruce, Topeka, and Maria Petersen and her husband, Sean, all of Topeka, and Jane Biswell and her husband David, Silver Lake ; a son, Juan Gonzales Jr. and his wife, Michelle, Topeka; a brother, Arturo Z. Blea, Topeka; and 14 grandchildren.
Mr. Gonzales retired from the U.S. Army in 1984 following 22 years of service. He was a Vietnam veteran and had served in Korea on the DMZ. During his service he was a Drill Sergeant, a Chemical Engineer, and a Combat Infantryman. Mr. Gonzales fought in the Battle of the Hill of Dong Ap Bia Hamburger Hill. He retired as Sergeant Major. During his four tours in Vietnam he was awarded four Purple Hearts, the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. He was a member of Post No. 400 American Legion.
Mr. Gonzales will lie in state after noon Wednesday at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel's Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association or to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.newcomerfamily.com