Kenneth L. Gonzales, 70, passed away at home on Nov. 28, 2024, after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in February. Due to God’s grace, he was miraculously pain free up to the last five days.
The first of eight children, he was born in Alamosa, Colo., on June 3, 1954, to Tom and Frances Gonzales of Fort Garland, Colo. On Sept. 16, 1983, he committed his life to the Lord by putting Jesus Christ on in baptism. He then unwaveringly focused on doing whatever he could do to glorify God.
On May 26, 1989, he married the love of his life Lisa Cowan. They spent the next 35 years working and serving the Lord together. He learned carpentry working with his uncle Levi Gonzales, and then at Forbes Trinchera Ranch; he and his brother Dave opened Tekton Cabinet Shop and built Lindal Cedar Homes; then he spent the last 18 years as a restaurateur, operating All-Gon Restaurant in Fort Garland, Colo. He was able to feed a multitude of people physically and spiritually in that time. He would often say, ‘let’s start something, and see what God does!’
Being blessed with no offspring of their own, they did, however, have a hand in raising many through the restaurant. He was generous, kind, and dedicated in his love for work and cooking to honor God. He was a wonderful, innovative cook, and he loved a good pork chop!
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Chris and nephew Zachary; sister-in-law Edi and niece Lacey, and brothers-in-law Patrick Allaart and Patrick Maes.
He is survived by his wife, brothers Errol, Alvin (Laura), and Dave (Coleasha), and his sisters Pam Allaart, Toni Maes, and Patty (Ronnie) Montoya, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. at the Blanca-Ft. Garland Community Center.
To leave online condolences, visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
