Jose “Koda” S. Gonzalez age 96, was born December 17, 1922, Newton, Ks
Jose was third child of 17 children born to parents of Jose Gonzalez and Hilaria Rincon Gonzalez
Employed 39 years with Santa Fe as a trackman/laborer. Employment began in 1941 till
Induction into the US Army in 1943.
Returned to Santa Fe upon discharge in 1945, retiring in September of 1981.
Military Service was from February 12, 1943 to December 11, 1945, Technician Fifth Grade,
1913th Engineer Aviation Battalion. Military Occupation Jackhammer Operator 188, serving
Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon
Medals were Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon w 1 Bronze
Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal.
Jose arrived home on December 12, 1945.
On December 22, 1956 he was united in marriage to Elsie Sifuentez Tafolla, who survives.
He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
“Koda” was known for his love of writing, reading and music. He collected newspaper
articles of family members, friends, events pertinent to local or national history.
He enjoyed sitting for hours at his roll top desk, organizing and pasting articles but most
important writing in his daily journal of various events throughout the day. His daily
journals are unknown how far date back, but end at about 2009.
In addition, to his wife, Elsie of home he is survived by three children; daughter Paula M.
Sifuentez Tafolla Whillock, Sons, Socorro L. (Wilabeth) Rolando L. (Jennifer) all of Newton.
9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren.
3 brothers, Newton: Daniel Gonzalez, Reynaldo (Theresa) Gonzalez and John (Wilda) Gonzalez.
3 sisters, Anita Domme, Newton, Angelina Chapa, Ft. Forth, Tx., Josefina Victoria, Newton
Preceded in death, parents, 5 brothers; Carmen, Doroteo, Antonio, Raymond, Jose Maximo, Jose Martin. 3 sisters, Natalia, Maria Ortencia and Loretta Moreno. 1 sister-in-law, Isabella Gonzalez. 3 brother-in-laws, Leo Moreno, Rudy Chapa and Richard Domme.
Jose loved and believed strongly in his family. His enjoyment was to see his family together. His grandchildren sharing funny stories and songs he made for each of them.
He loved to travel, especially to his Army reunions he attended coast to coast. He had just returned in November from the honorary flight trip and was the only WW II veteran on the trip receiving outstanding recognition for his service. It was a great finale to his full life.
Jose “Koda” will be missed by all his family and friends.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday December 27, 2018 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church with The Reverend Devin Burns Celebrant. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will preceded the Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wedensday at Petersen Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be in the St. Mary Cemetery Newton, Kansas.
In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Kansas Honor Flight in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
My sincere condolences to you and your family. ?
Jim and Janet Terrones
Olathe, Kansas
My most heartfelt condolences to the whole family. Papa Grande is in a better place. rest in peace grandpa!
I just wanted to say thank you Tio, for all the memories we shared together. I love and will miss you dearly. Please say hello to my mom & dad for me.
Love Leo ( Jr )
I will really miss Koda as I got to know him about 10 years ago and loved to hear his stories. sending lots of prayers to all of his family.
I love you, Tio.
You were such an amazing uncle and I enjoyed seeing you every time I came to Newton. Rest Easy Uncle and I’ll see you again.
Rest in Peace Mr. Gonzales. You were a fine man.
He was a historian in his own right, keeping record of his community. He is to be admired for his love, dedication and devotion to their story. Descanse en Paz, Koda.
My condolences from your niece sally and children from Houston
descansa en paz tío. Gracias infinitas por todo lo que has hecho por mí y que Dios te bendiga mi madre Blanquita te está esperando con los brazos abiertos
Dearest Grandpa I love and miss you dearly I know you will always be with me!
Elsie I am so sorry Rey and I are unable to be with you at this time. You have our love. Please accept our condolences. We love you and Koda and your family. Thank you for being there for us at all times. Your love and friendship means so much to me. Rest in Peace Koda. , Your sister in law and your brother who love you very much.
My condolences to the family and Elsie.
Rest in Peace Tio ❤
Rest Jose, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Thank you for your service to our country. I will always remember your great smile.
I feel blessed to have met this man, he made everyone around him smile with his quick wit and contagious grin. Prayers to family and friends
Sorrina, Alexis & family,
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. My prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
My Family’s condolences to the Gonzalez Family. Many prayers to u all.