Jose Gonzalez Sr.

STERLING – Jose M. Gonzalez Sr., 82, of Sterling, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Heritage Woods.

He was born July 15, 1927, in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, the son of Jose and Carmen (Valentin) Gonzalez. He married Gregoria Rodriguez on Feb. 18, 1966. She died June 18, 2000. Mr. Gonzalez was employed at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., as a second helper in the furnace department, retiring after 31 years service. He enjoyed visiting and interacting with family, friends, and other residents at Heritage Woods.

Surviving are his sons, Jose (Teresa) Gonzalez of Sterling, Louis (Deb) Gonzalez of Rock Falls, and Vernando Gonzalez and Arverto (Allison) Gonzalez, both of Sterling; his daughter, Sol Milagro Gonzalez of Elgin; six grandchildren, Mindy Gonzalez, Marcy (Jonathan) Gonzalez-Weintraub, Arverto (Jazmine) Gonzalez Jr., Jessica Gonzalez, John Gonzalez, and Dan Gonzalez; and two great-grandchildren, Arverto Thaddeus Gonzalez and Owen Gonzalez-Weintraub.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and one son, Victor M. Gonzalez.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Jesus Dominguez, celebrant, officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.