Cover photo for Jose “Koda” S. Gonzalez's Obituary
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Jose

Jose “Koda” S. Gonzalez

d. December 21, 2018

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.

 

 

 

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jose “Koda” S. Gonzalez, please visit our flower store.

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