Damacio Gonzalez, 84, was at home and surrounded by his loving wife and family as he peacefully went to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2014 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on March 27, 1930 to Leon and Rita Gonzalez in Cotulla, Texas. Following the death of his parents as a young boy, Damacio was raised in the home of Rosalio and Refugia "Cuca" Anchondo, while his six siblings were each raised by different relatives and friends. Damacio moved to Racine as a young man, and on November 30, 1963 he married the love of his life, Maria Sosa, at St. Rose Catholic Church. Together they raised three beautiful daughters.

Damacio will be remembered for his strong work ethic. He was employed for 30 years as a crane operator with the Kenosha American Motor Company, later Chrysler Corporation Plant, until he retired in 1982. With his love for automobiles, Damacio could be found in his spare time tinkering, fixing or doing maintenance on his or his relatives' cars. Everyone knew they could rely on Damacio for the best expertise and advice.  Following retirement, he worked 12 years as a landscaper with his brother Bernardino. With a gentle and quiet disposition, Damacio enjoyed camping, fishing and yard work in his recreational time. He found solace in the outdoors, and often enjoyed just simply relaxing in his backyard visiting with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was crossword puzzles. The greatest joy in his life was his family. He enjoyed nothing as much as spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Damacio was known for his humble ways, and never wished for attention or sympathy. In his final days with discomfort increasing, Damacio would never complain. He embraced the suffering as a part of life. He held tightly to a crucifix in one hand and a cross in the other hand preparing to meet his maker. He often would tell his children and grandchildren to take care of his wife and the women in the family. He will be missed greatly by his loving family.

Damacio is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maria; his children, Anita (David) Flores, Elena (Hector) Ramirez and Irene (Johnny) Gonzalez; his grandchildren, Angel, Veronica (Mark), Annalisa, Maribel (Tyron), Hector, Luis (Sondra), Krystalina, Anthony (Jessica), Matthew, Juan Damacio, Marcos, Monica, Jessica and 13 great-grandchildren. Damacio is also survived by his siblings, Francis Antuna, Rosa Esquivel, Vincenta (Pedro) Garza, Adelita Ybarra, Alicia (Manuel) Flores, Diana (Ruben) Aquilar, Bernardino, and Rosalio (Charlie); as well as brothers-and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Alejandro Gallardo, Cruz Gonzalez, Raul, Frank, Sixto, Jose Angel, and Raymond Anchondo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Richard's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2014 with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church Friday evening from 5pm to 8pm; and on Saturday beginning at 10am.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Mullane, RN Sharon, and NP Kelly; and to Hospice Alliance for the medical care and compassion extended during these past few months. A special thanks to the entire Sosa family for all their prayers and support.