Jose Moiselio Gonzales

Jose Moiselio Gonzales, loving husband, father, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on October 31st, 2025. He was born on October 14th, 1929, in Llano, New Mexico, to Adonay and Margarita Gonzales. Moises grew up with five brothers: Joe, Patricio, Luciano, Arnold, and Johnny. He also grew up with four sisters: Dimetria, Lila, Rufina, and Rachel.

He grew up on a farm. He supported his family as a sheepherder. He enjoyed picking piñon in Llano, Chamisal, and Dixon. While living in Llano, he met the love of his life, Carolina Vasquez. They got married in Taos. Shortly after they got married, he moved to Tooele, Utah. He sent for his wife. He worked for the Civil Service. He was keen to join the military, but after discovering he was going to be a father, he decided not to join and began his family with Carolina, welcoming their first child, Fabiolita.

Shortly after moving to Tooele, Carolina’s mother became ill, and they moved to Leadville, Colorado. He worked in the smelter. He also worked at Climax. He worked at the Storke level, serving as a hangup timberman, contractor, relief boss, and in the open pit. He also worked at the mine in Gilman. He also worked many odd and end jobs, such as with the Forest Service, and spent the remainder of his career with his wife in Vail. He worked for Bart and Andrew, who treated Moises and Carol well. His grandchildren took turns helping their grandparents work in Vail, creating lasting memories with them.

Moises was a devout father and husband. He began raising his family in Stringtown near the Lake County Airport. After a few years, they moved to their current home on the east side of Leadville. Grandpa built a home for his family that started with walls you could see daylight through, and it evolved into a home where he raised his nine children and his three nieces and nephews: Ignacita, Bonefacio, and George. Some of the fondest memories Moises shared with his children were taking them to pick cherries and piñon in their 1959 4-door Chevy.

Moises and Carol were active in the Catholic community and the Moose Hall. Moises enjoyed many hobbies, such as bowling and hunting, and he cherished his grandchildren. In addition to watching the Denver Broncos, he enjoyed fishing and camping with his sons and grandsons. He also loved playing blackjack, poker, and gambling in Las Vegas, Blackhawk, and Cripple Creek.

They spent time traveling together to visit their children and family in Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada, as well as their grandchildren throughout the country. He cherished his family and hosted many gatherings at his home and the Moose Hall for Thanksgiving and Christmas. He attended many family reunions and weddings, where he and his wife led the Marcha on many occasions. He cherished his time with his wife, celebrating 76 years of marriage. He created lasting memories that his family would cherish for a lifetime. We will forever remember him by his famous words: ¡Hasta pronto!

He is preceded in death by his father, Adonais, and his mother, Margarita, as well as his brothers and sisters: Joe, Luciano, Arnold, Patricio, Dimetria, Lila, Rufina, and Rachel. His children, Polly and Toby, also preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughters-in-law, Ilene and Patricia Gonzales; his grandchildren, Frederick Jr. and Bernadine Martinez; Toby Gonzales; Angelo Gonzales; and Steven Martinez.

He is survived by his wife, Carolina Gonzales; his children, Fabiolita Gonzales; Gilbert Gonzales; Bella (Wade) Ruble, Gloria (Frederick) Martinez, Steven Gonzales; Jimmy (Judy) Gonzales, and Bob Gonzales. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren: Phil Jr. (Gypsy) Salazar, Paula Salazar, Pamela (Mike) Donoher, Nadine (Jose) Gomez, Bryan (April) Ruble, Bernice (Michael) Sandoval, Valerie (William II) White, Terri (Dewayne) Ruble, Dominic Gonzales, Adrian (Kera) Gonzales, Thomas F. (Erik) Allen-Martinez, Adam Gonzales, and (Laurie Gonzales and Michelle Martinez). Surviving Great Grandchildren: Crystal (Ricky) Parker, Jade (Brian) Lopez, and Phil Salazar III; Elijah Salazar, Alyssah (Solomon) Popovich, Janessah (Trevor) Caldwell, and Joseph Ramirez; Michael and Darrin Donoher; Michael and Justin Ruble; Jesse, Xavier, and Isaiah (Marina) Arellano; Matthew, Brayden, and Michael Sandoval; William III, Savanna, and James White; Rainy Dunn; Avrion, Gabriel, and Anthony Gonzales and Carlos Arias; Isaac (Mary), Jacob (Tiffany), Emily, and Sarah Gonzales and Naomi (Bridger) Haacke; Damian and Anthony Martinez; and Jeremiah Gonzales. Surviving Great-Great-Grandchildren: Lilly and Hazel Lopez, Evelyn Ruble, Tidus and Sora Gonzales, Elliot Arellano, Elijah Arellano, Adalee Haacke, Loreai Gonzales, Aiden and Austin Bombard, and Jae Vialpondo-Arias.

A mass and rosary will be held for him on Saturday, November 8th, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 10:00 am.