Rafael Gonzalez

Rafael Gonzalez, 45, of Sheboygan, went home to our Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. He was born in Sheboygan on April 25, 1969 to Deacon Baleriano and Emilia Gonzalez. Rafael graduated from Sheboygan South High School and went on to study baking and pastry arts and culinary arts at various institutions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Rafael enjoyed reading and learning new things, and in his spare time would sketch and write. He embraced cultural diversity and would spend hours doing research on different countries and their cultures. Rafael loved attending cultural and culinary events, rock concerts, the symphony and the cinema. He enjoyed visiting metropolitan areas where he would take in the sights, visit art galleries, famous restaurants, aquariums and museums. Rafael loved nothing more than being surrounded by his wife and children, spending time with his parents and siblings and keeping in touch with his extended family whenever possible. He is survived by his children, Alexander Rafael Gilliam Gonzalez, Rachael May Gilliam Gonzalez, Emma Lee Gilliam Gonzalez and Isaah Gilliam Gonzalez; his mother, Emilia Arriaga Gonzalez; his father, Deacon Baleriano Gonzalez; his sister, Dominga Gonzalez Ramirez; his brother, Gabriel Gonzalez; five nieces and nephews, various extended family members in northern and central Wisconsin and central and southern Texas. Rafael was preceded in death by his wife, Ivy Lee Gilliam Gonzalez on May 24, 2014. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church (807 Superior Ave, Sheboygan) with the Rev. Carlos Zapata as celebrant. Friends may call at the church on Monday, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass.