John 'Jim' Gonzales, 84 of Gothenburg, passed away on July 11, 2026, at Christian Care Home in Holdrege. John was born on Aug. 26, 1941, in Gothenburg, to parents John Carl and Lois (Brush) Gonzales.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a radioman. During his service, along with traveling the world, he mastered the unique skill of Morse code. The knowledge of both, he shared to the awe and excitement of his children.
John met the love of his life at Gothenburg High School and married Janice Kulhman on May 27, 1958, at Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple had four children: John, Joy, Judith, and Jill. Due to Jim’s job as a dispatcher, the family was able to experience several different communities and states before making Gothenburg their home.
John deeply loved music. He enjoyed playing the trumpet, singing in the men's choir, and carrying out a beloved weekly family tradition of listening to classical music during Sunday dinner. He also enjoyed reading and creating beautiful landscapes in oil painting. He loved being out-of-doors, camping, and working in his yard. John spent several years painting and beautifying homes around Gothenburg and surrounding towns.
John’s deep faith was central to his life. He served as a Parish Ministry Associate (PMA) for numerous years, ministering and sharing the word and love of God to several congregations across Gothenburg, Broken Bow, and Callaway. He was a dedicated member of the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg.
John was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Janice Gonzales; his loving daughter, Joy Gonzales; brother, Paul Gonzales; his father, John C Gonzales; his mother, Lois Atkinson and stepfather, Samuel Atkinson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Mabel Kuhlman; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gene and Patricia Aden; and nephew, Matthew Kulhman.
John is survived by his children, John (Anastasia) Gonzales of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Judith (Darin) Nichols of McCook, and Jill (Bob) Jorgenson of Gothenburg; grandchildren, Emilyne (Austen) Sis of McCook, Alex (Kim) Jorgenson of Gothenburg, Helena (Spencer) Dorn of Plattsmouth, Olivia (fiancé Cooper Michelman) Jorgenson of Sidney, Hannah (Bryce) Dame of McCook, Matthew Nichols of McCook, Augustus Gonzales of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Bethany Nichols of McCook; four great-grandsons, Bennett and Adler Sis, and Bowe and Baker Jorgenson; siblings and in-laws, Gary (Julie) Gonzales, Mike (Terrie) Gonzales, Janice (Tom) Angstman, Jane (Jim) Felton, Sue (Tom) Kobold; in-laws, Don and Marbra Kuhlman, and Tom and Rhonda Jobman; and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg with Pastor Doug Hjelmstad officiating. Burial will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg; Our Savior Lutheran Church in Broken Bow; or the Gothenburg Food Pantry. Online condolences can be made at www.blasestrauser.com. Funeral arrangements were trusted to Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel & Monuments of Gothenburg.