Rick G. “Gonzo” Gonzalez, 54, died Monday, November 19, 2012 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born October 30, 1958 in Alliance to Edward J. and Cecilia (Castro) Gonzalez.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Gonzalez, his daughter, Sierra Maria Gonzalez, his step-children, Christopher M. Alvarado, Robert V. Alvarado and Santana A. Alvarado, his granddaughter, Adriana K. Alvarado and Jadyn Alvarado and his grandson, Everette Alvarado.  He is also survived by his parents, Ed and Cece Gonzalez of Alliance, his sisters and brother, Arlene and Jim Smith of Littleton, CO, Adrian and Pasha Gonzalez of Alliance, Celeste and Donnie Hull of Denver, CO, Samantha Gonzalez of Denver, and nieces and nephews, Alexis Lauterbach of Denver, Zachariah Boslau, Drew Lauterbach of Denver, Dylan Smith of Littleton, CO and John Nuñez of Denver, CO, Tre Mier of Mitchell and his great-niece, Celina Borrego. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was an avid Denver Broncos and Nebraska Cornhusker fan.  He had a remarkable love for his music and riding his bike in the Spearfish Canyon.  Rick began working for Burlington Northern Railroad at the age of 18 and was currently working as a labor foreman at the time of his death.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  A Rosary will precede the funeral at 9:00 a.m.  Father Lou Nollette will officiate.  Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.