Gonzalo G. Torrez

Gonzalo G. Torrez, 74, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009 at St. Francis Health Center.

He was born November 17, 1934 in Topeka the son of Macario and Guadalupe (Gutierrez) Torrez.

Mr. Torrez was employed by the AT & SF Railway  as a Boilermaker for forty-four years before he retired in 1996.

Gonzalo enjoyed gardening, dancing, watching the Chiefs and the Jayhawks and reading his prayers.  He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting activities.

He was an active member and volunteer at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Gonzalo was a volunteer for the Fiesta Mexicana.  He was a member of the Nate Morales Knights of Columbus Council #11777, Brotherhood of Boilermakers Union Local Lodge # 34, Legion of Mary, Santo Nombre of OLG, Third Order of St. Augustine and Cursillo.

He married Dolores Barranco on June 30, 1956 in Topeka, Kansas, she survives of the home.  He is also survived by his children; Gonzalo (Josie) Torrez Jr., Ignacio (Maria) Torrez, Lupe (Lewis) Hutfles Sr., Monica (Andre) Jolly, Gregorio Pillar (Molly) Torrez, and Macario (Julie) Torrez all of Topeka and Mario (Kathy) Torrez of Oswego, Illinois, sixteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and his siblings; Candy Rodriguez of Ottawa, Jenny Tetuan, Mary (Felipe) Rangel Sr., Vincent (Marcella) Torrez Sr., John (Maudie) Torrez all of Topeka.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister Nettie, and a brother Rito Torrez.

Mr. Torrez will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Tuesday after 2:00 p.m. where rosaries will be recited by the Legion of Mary at 6:00 p.m., Knights of Columbus Council #11777 at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Parish at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Parkinson Foundation and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603. 

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.