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Jerry Gonzales, age 62, of Cheyenne, passed peacefully at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on Sept. 7, 1962, in Powell, Wyoming, to Julian Gonzales and Sidney Ramirez Gonzales. As the youngest sibling, Jerry spent his youth exploring all nature had to offer and working hard on the family homestead in Powell. Later, he attended vocational school in Casper where he obtained a welding and pipe fitting certification. He was a dedicated and skilled steel fitter with over 30 years of service at Puma Steel.
Jerry enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and was an exceptional marksman, no scope needed. He appreciated muscle cars of all types, especially the Trans Am. He owned two throughout his life, custom building a motor for the first. Watching NASCAR is where you could find him most weekends when he wasn’t working in his yard or garden.
His “grumpy old man” persona did not fool anyone! He was a kindhearted, thoughtful man who deeply cared for his family and friends especially his children and grandchildren.
Jerry, better known as Grandpa or Papa in his later years, was preceded in death by his better half Leanna Streitmatter, father Julian Gonzales, mother Sidney Ramirez Gonzales, brother Phillip Gonzales, brother Julian Jr. Rangel, sister Irene Rangel, grandson Antonio Cordova-Gonzales.
Jerry is survived by his brother Henry Ramirez, sister Judy Gonzales, sister Ruby Gonzales, daughter Jasmine Gonzales, daughter Eva Fox, stepchildren Shawna Streitmatter, Autumn Streitmatter, Jazma Maes and Aaron Streitmatter, three nieces, three nephews, six grandsons, three granddaughters, including the light of his life Love’ Potter. Papa and Love’ had a special bond that could not be broken. She changed his life for the better the day she was born.
Interment will be at a later date where he will be laid to rest with his mother, father and brother Phillip in Powell. A celebration of Life was held Aug. 23 in Cheyenne. To send the family condolences please visit wrcfuneral.com.
