Gabriel R. Ochoa

Gabriel R. Ochoa, 89, of Topeka, KS died October 12, 2015 at Stormont-Vail Hospital. He was born on August 6, 1926 in Topeka, the son of Nicholas and Antonia (Rodriguez) Ochoa. Gabriel served his country in the U.S. Navy and was a Topeka Police Officer for over 29 years retiring as a Captain. Gabriel loved dogs and was instrumental in starting the K-9 Division and was head of the Crime Prevention Unit of the police department. He also helped build the Fraternal Order of Police facility and was a life member. He trained dogs for private security, for the K-9 Division and for BNSF Railway. His military service is remembered by a brick in his honor at the veterans memorial at Gage Park. He enjoyed fishing, bird watching, reading mysteries, carpentry, and spending time with his family. He married Reynalda Almaguer on June 7, 1947 in Topeka. She survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Monica Ochoa Lang (Tom) of Topeka, Sylvia Ochoa of Lawrence, Shannon Ochoa of Overland Park, his sisters, Gertrude Amato, Marcella Torrez, Rita Hernandez, Clara De Santiago, Anita Poersch, Patricia Slupianek, and his grandchildren, Chrissy Chapman and Danielle Lang-Shaw and three great grandchildren, Cameron and Connor Chapman and Jacob Shaw. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Cecilia Rodriguez, Antonio "Tony" Ochoa, Madeline Ortega, George Ochoa, Augustin Ochoa and Veronica Box. Gabriel was cremated. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church followed by military honors at the church. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.