Frank R. Gonzales (Pimpa), age 99 of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19th, 2025, at 9:47 pm.
Frank was born in San Antonio, Texas, on January 29th, 1926, the son of Esteban and Paulita Gonzales. He was the middle child with an older brother and a younger sister. Frank was educated in local schools in San Antonio through the 6th grade.
In his youth, Frank worked in farm and field work in Michigan and Wisconsin, and later developed a talent for custom upholstery, working on cars and furniture in local San Antonio shops. After moving north and settling in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he began a long and dedicated career as a crane operator for American Brass, where he worked for more than 30 years until his retirement.
Frank was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Elodia, of sixty-five years, affectionately known to each other and family as “Kiko” and “Tencha”. He was a proud father to his four children, known lovingly as “Dad,” “Daddy-O- ” and “Pimpa” to his grandchildren. He was a caring grandfather, great-grandfather, and great, great-grandfather to a combined total of 47 descendants, a number that never ceased to amaze him and always filled him with pride.
Frank had many passions. A lifelong baseball fan and proud supporter of the New York Yankees, I enjoy every aspect of the game, including playing and coaching. A gifted artist and master craftsman, he expressed himself through his upholstery work and was also skilled in drawing. His grandchildren especially cherished watching him demonstrate how to draw Popeye using the number three, along with other doodles inspired by the moment. He also enjoyed playing the guitar, watching professional wrestling, and watching old monster movies with his children and grandchildren. An avid tinkerer with a natural curiosity for all things mechanical, Frank could often be found working on his cars or repairing various machines. Above all, he was best known for the stories he shared about his life – stories that his family will cherish forever.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Elodia C. Gonzales (Nana); his grandson, C. Alexander Gonzales; and brother, Jesse Gonzales; and his sister, Rosa Medina.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Albert Gonzales and Linda Gonzales, Rosa A. Rincon, Lorenzo Gonzales and Lori Gonzales, Carlos Gonzales and Kathy Gonzales. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Service and viewing to be held on December 26th from 10 am to 11:00 am. Location: – Kemper Center – 6501 3rd Avenue Kenosha, WI 53143
Interment: – Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, 4300 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI 53144
