Eloyd L. Gonzales

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Eloyd L. Gonzales, passed away November 8, 2014 at the age of 94. He was born in Madrid, NM, April 23, 1920, and graduated from Cerrillos High School. Shortly thereafter, he began his military service in WWII, landing in Normandy and being part of the battles in France and Germany. Upon his return after the war, he married his wife of 68 years, Gertrude A. Stratmann from Illinois, whom he met while stationed at Scott Field. Gert and Eloyd raised their family in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Their eight children, all graduates of Santa Fe High School, and spouses are: Donald A. & Marla Gonzales, Consuelo Gonzales, Michael & Peggy Gonzales, Loretta & Nathan Garcia, Paul & Laura Gonzales, Ana & Teo Biele, Yvette Gonzales & Sean O'Donoghue, and Frank Gonzales. He has 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Eloyd enlisted in the NM National Guard, first at Kirtland AFB facility, then Santa Fe National Guard. He was affectionately called "Mr. G." He retired as Chief Warrant Officer IV with 37 years of total military service. As Chief Warrant Officer, he audited all National Guard units in the state of New Mexico in his final years as Chief Audit Officer. Eloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Ana Cleto and Juanita Gonzales; his brothers, Andrew and George; sister, Marie; and two of his grandchildren, Paul Kevin and Eric Michael. His brother, Frank Gonzales and wife Alma lives in Nevada. Andrew's widow, Mary Gonzales lives in Albuquerque. He is known by all as a gentle man. He lived his life with integrity and honesty, never asking for anything that he didn't earn. He never had an unkind word for anyone. He loved music, sports and was quite a golfer in retirement. With his twinkling eyes, an easy smile and great humor, he responded with compassion and intelligence to everyone. He could be as quick with a joke as he was with a song, no matter if it was Spanish, English, or French. He loved each one of his family for whom they are as individuals and who they could become. That was the gift that he gave to us all. Eloyd referred to his family as "the best of the best", and he was for us, the absolute "best of the best" father. He lived his life totally dedicated to his family, working and playing with them with joy. He loved to play songs for his family and friends with his harmonica, giving us all great happiness. Services celebrating Eloyd's life will be held December 30, 2014. At 11:00 a.m., a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. His ashes will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe with a military salute at 12:45 p.m. His beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: Donald A. Gonzales Family: Brian Gonzales & wife Phyllis and sons, Matias and Andres; Jennifer Evans & husband Todd Evans and children, Morgan, Mariah, Ty, and Brody; TD Gonzales. Consuelo Gonzales Family: Jessica Purcell & husband Matthew Purcell and son, Jack. Michael Gonzales Family: Paul Kevin Gonzales; Eric Michael Gonzales; Jacob Gonzales & wife Jennifer and son Eric. Loretta Garcia Family: Michelle Madrid & husband Tommy Madrid and sons, Christopher, Dominic, and Joshua; Michael Brito; Jude Garcia; Megan Martinez & husband Daniel Martinez and children, Elaina and Vincent; Jeremy Garcia and daughter Kennedy. Paul Gonzales Family: Children, Cleto, Claudia, and Eloyd Lee Gonzales. Ana Gonzales Biele Family: Children, Cole and Zaire Biele. Yvette Gonzales Family: Children, Zoe and Ian O'Donoghue. Frank Gonzales Family: Children, Pilar and Kiana Gonzales. FRENCH – Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

Eloyd L. Gonzales

April 23, 1920 - November 8, 2014