Obituary of Francisco Ortiz Gonzales

The legendary Francisco “Frank” Ortiz Gonzales, JR., 76, of Greeley, Colorado, was called home to the kingdom of Heaven on October 8, 2023.

Frank was brought into this world on July 9, 1947, to Francisco Gonzales SR. and Felicitas Ortiz Gonzales in Big Spring, Texas. 

Frank was a very hard worker and held multiple jobs over the years. To name a few, Frank’s mom, dad, and siblings were migrant workers who traveled from Texas to Colorado working the fields during the summer seasons.  He was also known as the “Coahoma Kid” at the Big Spring Herald, a local newspaper in Texas, a lab technician for over eighteen years at the Refinery in Big Spring, Texas, and the fastest feed-truck driver at the feed lot in Kersey, Colorado. Frank retired from the feed lot in 2012 after over twenty years of service. Frank enjoyed retirement by thanking God for everyday he had the privilege of living, sitting outside in the early morning sun, caring for his dogs, and enjoying that rocky mountain HIGH.

Although Frank was a hard worker, he knew how to “par-tay” just as hard. Frank was known for his love for the Dallas Cowboys, his fun and adventurous energy, big smile, and family spirit. Frank enjoyed being a pool shark hustling anyone and everyone, heading to the mountains to win his small fortune of pennies at the slot machines, and getting down to his favorite tunes on a Friday night. Frank was a jokester, the life of the party, and a father figure to anyone who needed a shoulder to lean on.  

Frank raised two beautiful families in his lifetime. He was first married to the late Angie Torres and they raised three sons together, Mario Gonzales, Stephen Gonzales, and Jeromaine Gonzales.

Frank was later remarried to Teri Shaw and they raised two daughters together, Elizabeth

Ashlee Shaw-Gonzales, and the baby of the family, Demi Justine “DJ” Gonzales.

Frank was predeceased by his first-born brother Guillermo, Father Francisco, Mother Felicitas, the mother of his sons Angie, big sister Christina, and brother Daniel.

Frank is survived by his wife Teri Shaw-Gonzales; his sons Mario Gonzales, Stephen Gonzales, and Jeromaine Gonzales; his daughters Elizabeth Ashlee Shaw-Gonzales and Demi Justine Gonzales; his grandchildren Mario Jr Gonzales, Heather Gonzales, Victoria Gonzales, Jeremy Gonzales, Meranda Gonzales, Isaac Gonzales, Joseph Gonzales, Elijah “Eli” Gonzales, Aiden Gonzales and Theodore Frank De La Cruz; and his brothers Ysidoro Gonzales, Angel Gonzales, Benito Gonzales; and his sisters Rosie Dixon and Martha Martinez.

To know Frank, was to love him. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. “TO THE MOUNAINS!”

A Life Celebration will be held at Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634, at 10am on October 14,2023. If you would like to send something to the family it may be sent to Adamson or their residence at 1208 38^th Ave Greeley, CO 80634.