Juan Gonzales, Sr.

Juan Gonzales, Sr., age 92 of Clintonville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.

Juan was born on March 8, 1933 in New Braunfels, TX as the son of the late Manuel and Concepcion (Olivares) Gonzales. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1951 until 1953; stationed in Hedsupact, Yokosuka, Japan aboard the #115 Fire Transport Ship out of San Diego, CA. After his honorable discharge Juan returned home and was united in marriage to Isadora “Dora” Cruz in Sequin, TX on July 22, 1957. The couple moved to Bear Creek and settled in Clintonville in 1972. Juan was employed as a cast iron worker for Neenah Foundry for over 20 years; retiring in 1995. Juan then cherished spending time working for the Clintonville School District as a bus driver and crossing guard. He absolutely loved watching the children grow over the years and was always so appreciative off all the gifts of hot chocolate on cold mornings or even fresh pies to snack on. Juan was even honored by the Clintonville Police Department for his 10 plus years of service to the Clintonville community. His love for his grandchildren could only be rivaled by the love he had for his dogs, but they always had the best family gatherings. Juan also enjoyed shopping or as his family said, more browsing, and even doing yard work. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville and his family is comforted knowing he is safely home in Heaven with his wife Dora who passed away in 2021.

Survivors include: His Children: San Juanita “Janie” (John) Smith, Juan “Kito” (Marleen) Gonzales, Jr., Ernie (Kelly) Gonzales, and Dahlia “Dolly” Gonzales.
Grandchildren: Michael (Niki) Smith, Jason (Emily Rydzewski) Smith, Tony Gonzales, Jamie Gonzales, Ross (Alayna) Gonzales, Angela (Andy) Smith, and Nico Gonzales.
Great-Grandchildren: Charlie & Clay Smith, Isadora Gonzales, and Aidan Smith.
Siblings: Natividad Gonzales & Manuela Bijarro.
Juan is also survived by his AFS daughter, Maree (Danny Zitta) Mirkovic from Australia,  her children Erin (Callum) Wilson, Johanna Mirkovic, and Sam (Darcie) Zitta and grandson Hugo.
Also survived by his beloved dogs Ricardo and Chulita as well as numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Manuel and Concepcion Gonzales, his wife Isadora “Dora” Gonzales, siblings Micaela Sanchez, Domingo Gonzales, and Angelina Gonzales, and numerous in-laws and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Juan on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11am at the St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville with Fr. Timothy Shillcox O. Praem officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9am until the time of service.  Military honors will be conducted outside of the church following the service by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, American Legion Auxiliary and D.A.V. Chapter #53. Inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville and a meal will follow at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory South Location, 299 S. Main Street, Clintonville immediately following the committal.

Juan’s family wishes to thank his caregivers who really became family. Starting with his neighbors Bob and Diane whose help allowed them all to focus on their dad, then Gloria as they couldn't have done this without you, then to his medical team at ThedaCare Hematology Oncology especially Leah Ebben and her nurse Sharon; everyone in the building made him feel so special. Lastly his ThedaCare Neenah 5th Floor medical team; especially nurses, Nikki C., Leah D., and Cheri G. as he considered each of you his friends. Your kindness will always be remembered.